Cannabis for Osteoarthritis What We Know Today Works!

Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown of the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. It can affect any joint, but is more common in the hips, hands, spine, and knees.

It is the most common type of arthritis affecting millions of people around the world. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the affected area, tenderness, a grinding sensation, loss of flexibility, swelling, and bone spurs. There are some risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, including joint overuse from repetitive loading of a joint, gender, obesity, age, race, and genetics.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 32.5 million people suffer from osteoarthritis in the United States alone. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, so doctors simply recommend various forms of treatment therapy for patients, which can include a variety of things from medication (prescription drugs and over-the-counter pain relievers), physical therapy, weight loss, surgery, and exercise depending on the severity.

However, the use of opioid pain relievers is widespread among people struggling with chronic and severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. The use of opioid pain relievers is extremely addictive and can be dangerous, so reducing addiction and discouraging patients is important, although finding another effective yet safe pain reliever would be crucial.

How hemp helps

Fortunately, many people suffering from osteoarthritis are seeing relief from cannabis use.

During the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, medical professionals discussed the benefits of medicinal cannabis for patients with osteoarthritis and chronic pain. Two studies were specifically discussed, and Ari Greis, DO, of the Rothman Orthopedic Institute at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia told MedPage Today that they discovered “cannabinoids are a viable alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.”

“We need to change our approach to chronic pain and really limit opioid use to people with acute pain and post-surgical pain,” he said. He further explained that cannabis acts as an alternative for long-term use as it is less addictive and has fewer side effects. And he went on to say that unlike opioids, cannabis would not kill patients.

They discussed the results of the osteoarthritis study, which included 40 patients, 18 of whom suffered from primary knee pain and 12 from shoulder pain. They found that these patients’ pain scores decreased after 6 months of cannabis use. They explained that 2/3 of patients treated with cannabis through sublingual tinctures and a third used topical products, while 21% used vaporized oil and 9% used vaporized flower.

“Many patients got relief from symptoms without the intoxication or found that the mild intoxication either did not interfere with their activities of daily living or was to some extent enjoyable,” said Greis.

Another 2020 study reports that more and more people are using cannabis to treat their arthritis pain, and sometimes without even consulting their doctor. Specifically, Canadian researchers found that 1 in 5 patients who consult an orthopedic surgeon for chronic musculoskeletal pain use a cannabis product.

“We found that 20% had reported past or current use of cannabis with the specific intent of relieving pain,” explains Dr. Timothy Leroux, study author and orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toronto. “Not only among recreational users, but also among patients who said, ‘I use cannabis because I want to relieve pain from this condition'”

Leroux also said that arthritis sufferers are interested in using cannabis, although they have not used it before. “Many patients feel they lack knowledge and remain on the sidelines while we gather more scientific knowledge,” he adds. When a survey was conducted among 600 patients at a Toronto orthopedic clinic, those who used cannabis shared positive results; 9 out of 10 of them said cannabis worked for pain management, while 4 out of 10 said it helped reduce their dependency on painkillers. Additionally, nearly 6 out of 10 said cannabis was more effective compared to other medications.

“This is encouraging given the ongoing opioid epidemic as we seek safe alternatives to opioids for pain control,” added Dr. Yili Huang, director of the pain management center at Northwell Phelps Hospital. “Cannabis may help reduce, or in some cases completely replace, the amount of opioid drugs needed to control pain,” explains Huang, who did not take part in the study.

How Can Cannabis Treat Osteoarthritis Patients Benefit?

With too many deaths and addictions occurring due to the opioid epidemic, osteoarthritis sufferers may benefit more from cannabis use. Cannabis strains for arthritis include Cannatonic and Black Lime Reserve.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is also a great alternative as it has no psychoactive effects. There are so many ways to use cannabis products to treat osteoarthritis pain, inflammation, and swelling. Topical preparations are among the most effective ways to treat people with osteoarthritis because they provide localized pain relief — and fast. Since it does not enter the bloodstream, it only affects the area where it is applied. You can choose from creams, ointments and oils that can be applied directly.

Additionally, those who suffer from prolonged bouts of pain can benefit from edibles. While they may take longer to relieve pain, edibles also last much longer, sometimes up to 6 hours or even longer. Edibles like jelly beans, candies, and other fortified foods pass through the digestive system to enter the bloodstream.

However, the American Arthritis Foundation has recommended using CBD for this condition via tincture, topical application, oral application, or capsule form.

Have you tried using cannabis for osteoarthritis relief? Which shape suits you best and why?

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