Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2012/11/08 - Updated: 2021/07/03
Topic: Medical Marijuana and Cannabis - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Medical marijuana has been proven to help with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis as a natural type of pain relief. Rheumatoid arthritis is common among baby boomers, those who are aging, and seniors. Arthritis is not; however, something strictly associated with age or aging - it has the potential to affect anyone despite their particular age.

Introduction

Arthritis is a medical condition, one that affections millions of people in America and commonly involves both pain and inflammation of a person's joints as well as restricting their motion.

Main Item

There are two main forms of arthritis - rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A person's immune system might be a major cause of rheumatoid arthritis. When a person's immune system is not working appropriately, instead of fighting off viruses or bacteria it may start targeting and attacking their entire body. Ultimately, the person's bones start to become worn away or eroded.

Rheumatoid arthritis is common among baby boomers, those who are aging, and seniors. Arthritis is not; however, something strictly associated with age or aging - it has the potential to affect anyone despite their particular age.

Another form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a condition that occurs when a person's cartilage wears away. When this happens it has the potential to affect a person's knees, hips, lower back, hands, or neck. At this time, there is no cure or remedy for osteoarthritis, although there are types of treatments available such as medical marijuana that have the potential to help reduce and relieve the pain associated with it.

Medical Marijuana is the term used to describe organically grown marijuana in countries and/or states that have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana, abbreviated as MMJ. Marijuana can be very effective in treating a number of illnesses and diseases. Some of the more common conditions and symptoms treated with medical marijuana include chronic pain, nausea, glaucoma, seizure disorders, cancer, diabetes, muscle spasms, and many more. Currently, 13 U.S. states allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to patients suffering from ailments ranging from AIDS to glaucoma. Tens of thousands of seriously ill Americans are now physician-certified users of medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana for use in relieving the pain associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis has been proven to be effective and successful in both women and men. The forms of arthritis are often times painful and distressful and medical marijuana appears to alleviate and relieve the chronic pain related to arthritis. Use of marijuana for medical reasons, particularly to relieve pain, seems to have been in use since the 1700's and earlier around the world.

Medical marijuana has also demonstrated an ability to directly treat inflammatory diseases. Enough proof exists that medical marijuana has powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-modulation qualities. Included in the non-psychoactive elements of marijuana is, 'cannabidiol,' which has been found to restrain an immune reaction in both rats and mice that is similar to arthritis. Cannabidiol has been found to minimize destruction of the joints in rats and mice as well.

Scientific tests involving people have also proven that medical marijuana is successful in fighting arthritis. Stiffness, mobility, and range of motion have been proven to increase and reduce in those who use it. When using medical marijuana, people with forms of arthritis are actually able to use far less non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications that have the potential to be dangerous, harmful, and unsafe.

Another primary element of marijuana is, 'THC.' When a person's body metabolizes THC it generates a certain amount of chemicals that include at least one that is an anti-inflammatory. THC also achieves relief from pain associated with arthritis.

Facts About Marijuana

A number of states are implementing medical marijuana laws and policies due to the increasing popularity of research into medical marijuana. At this time, several states have some type of medical marijuana law. In the recent election cycle, the state of Colorado for example, legalized recreational use of marijuana. On a federal level, marijuana possession remains illegal. States that approve and regulate medical marijuana include:

Medical marijuana has been proven to help with Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis. Marijuana is a natural type of pain relief, unlike other products on the market. Marijuana does not contain pharmaceutical chemicals, for example.

Forms of Arthritis and Marijuana

Osteoarthritis also referred to as, degenerative arthritis,' is a form of arthritis caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of a person's cartilage in one or more of their joints. According to the National Academy of an Aging Society, arthritis is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in the United States of America. There are more than one hundred different forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis which is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects more than twenty million people in America alone.

The many forms of arthritis together cost people in America billions of dollars. In one example, a Stanford University study titled, 'The Economic Impact of Arthritis,' found that people with arthritis collectively spend over fifty-six billion dollars every year in both medical costs and due to loss of work. The financial costs alone related to arthritis are very high.

At this time, more than one hundred medications and drugs are used to treat forms of arthritis. Many people still prefer to treat arthritis pain with medical marijuana - something that is affordable, a natural alternative, and does not have the side effects found in the medications that are traditionally used to treat forms of arthritis. Scientific studies have demonstrated that medical marijuana can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of arthritis. The Journal of Neuroimmunology stated in an article titled, 'Cannabinoids and the Immune System: Potential for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases" by J. Ludovic and Takashi Yamamura, that cannabinoids might be considered to treat inflammatory diseases like forms of arthritis.

In addition, Ethan Russo, M.D. the Senior Medical Advisor at the Cannabinoid Research Institute stated in an, 'Americans for Safe Access,' brochure titled, 'Arthritis and Medical Marijuana" that science has demonstrated that the THC component of cannabis is a very effective analgesic, or pain killer. Ethan stated that the, 'CBD,' or cannabidiol component of marijuana has unique immunomodulatory benefits as an antagonist of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and has supporting benefits in relation to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

Explore Similar Topics

• - What legal Cannabis in Canada means for Science showcases research demonstrating how industry developments are expected to promote growth over 50%.

• - Medical cannabis patients and businesses are protected from federal intervention after President Trump signed the new spending bill into law.

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Thomas C. Weiss. (2012, November 8 - Last revised: 2021, July 3). Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved March 27, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/pharmaceutical/marijuana/marijuanaforarthritis.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/pharmaceutical/marijuana/marijuanaforarthritis.php">Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain</a>: Medical marijuana has been proven to help with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis as a natural type of pain relief.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.