Cannabis and Arthritis

 

'A significant minority of patients with rheumatologic diseases – such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis – actively consume cannabis, according to data published in the journal Rheumatology.

A team of French researchers conducted a meta-analysis of the relevant literature specific to the use of cannabis in patients with rheumatologic diseases.

Researchers reported that approximately 17 percent of all patients with rheumatological diseases are active consumers of cannabis.'

 

 - NORML 

 

 

'CBD increases intracellular calcium levels, reduces cell viability, and IL-6/IL-8/MMP-3 production of RASF by activating TRPA1 and mitochondrial targets. This effect was enhanced by pre-treatment with TNF suggesting that CBD preferentially targets activated, pro-inflammatory RASF. Thus, CBD possesses anti-arthritic activity and might ameliorate arthritis via targeting synovial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions.'

 - Nature

 

 

Chronic arthritis is a condition that effects the joints and decreases mobility. It is more common among elderly persons worldwide, though it has been found to affect younger people these days, especially with more sedentary lifestyles becoming increasingly prevalent. Cannabis has been found to be beneficial for arthritis. Cannabis extracts now come in a number of forms, such as balms, ointments and oils that can be applied externally. Cannabis taken internally, in its various forms, as smokable flower, beverages, edibles, etc., have also found to be effective. Its proven safe profile and long history of usage, in addition to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, is making cannabis a popular remedy for arthritis among the elderly and chronic sufferers. In fact, arthritis is one of the leading medical conditions for which cannabis is used. Cannabis users have been found to be less obese, and more active, thus reducing the chances of developing arthritis. Cannabis has been found to be effective for other mobility related ailments, such as multiple sclerosis, as well.  The elderly are the fastest growing segment of cannabis users, in places where the herb has been legalized for medical and/or recreational purposes, and treatment of age related illnesses like arthritis is one of the reasons for the surge in use among older populations.  

In the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission's report of 1894-95, on the medical uses of cannabis in 19th century India, we find the following evidence from witnesses. Army witness No. 80 says 'Ganja is said, when smoked in moderation, to be beneficial in relieving cold and rheumatism.' Army witness No. 13 says 'In moderation ganja and bhang are considered to be beneficial; the former is said to be particularly good in its effect in cases of rheumatism.' Surgeon-Major G. T. Thomas, Civil Surgeon, Moulmein, says, '...except to temporarily alleviate pain (rheumatic, etc.)..'Mr. W. N. Porter, Deputy Commissioner, Upper Chindwin, says, 'Yes ; both by Burman and Shan medicine men as a...remedy for rheumatism'. Khan Bahadur Dr Sheikh Elahi Bux, Government Pensioner and Honorary Magistrate, Ajmere, says, 'Sometimes bhang and its compounds are used in...rheumatism...' Rao Venkat Rango Katti, Pensioner, Dharwar, says, 'The properties of hemp or vijoya given in the Vidya Nighantu are as follows :— ...is an antidote to phlegmatic and rheumatic affections.' Uttamram Jeewanram Itchapooria, Audesh, Brahmin, Native Doctor (Vaidya), Bombay and Surat, says, 'I used bhang in pains, rheumatism...muscular rheumatism...' Hospital Assistant Jamiatram Jeyashunker, Nagar Brahmin, West Hospital, Rajkot, Kattiawar, says, 'Bhang is also tried with more or less success in many diseases, as in ...rheumatism.' Surgeon-Major D. C. Davidson, Acting Civil Surgeon, and Superintendent of the Jail and Lunatic Asylum, Dharwar, says, 'It is used extensively by the people themselves in ...rheumatism...Stated to be useful in...rheumatism.' Rao Bahadur Sitaram Damodar, Huzur Deputy Collector, Khandesh, says, 'It is also used for some chronic diseases, such as rheumatism.' Mr. H. Woodward, Collector, Kaira, Gujarat, says, 'Bhang is used in cases of rheumatism and fever.' Mr. F. S. P. Lely, Collector of Surat, says, 'They assuage rheumatic and other pains...' Rev. A. Margochis, Medical Missionary, S. P. G., Nazareth, Tinnevelly District, says, 'It is good in...chronic rheumatism...' Rev. W. H. Campbell, Missionary, London Missionary Society, Cuddapah, says, 'but the people occasionally use ganja under the impression that it will cure rheumatism...I have met several ganja smokers who have told me that they began to use the drugs as a cure for rheumatism.' Surgeon-Major R. Pemberton, Civil Surgeon, Cochin, says, 'Is used very often in...painful rheumatic affection...'
Munshi S. Mohamed Unwur Sahib, Tahsildar, Suthanapully Taluk, Kistna District, says, 'Ganja is largely prescribed on account of its medicinal qualities by native doctors to cure...rheumatism...The people addicted to smoking of ganja say invariably that its moderate use is very beneficial in its effects, namely, curing ...rheumatism...' Kamini Kumar Chandra, Kayastha, Bengali, Pleader, Silchar, says, 'to ward off rheumatism...' Surgeon-Major H. C. Banerji, Civil Surgeon, Sylhet, says, 'It is said to be anti-malarial and antirheumatic...I understood my informants to say that they took ganja when they got rheumatic pains and that it relieved them.' M. Kazi Rayaz-Ud-Din Mahamed, Zamindar, Commilla, Tippera, says, 'Ganja is also used for medicinal purposes, to cure rheumatic and paralytic pains, which I have personally experienced.' Babu Krishna Chandra Rai, Baidya, Government Pensioner and Zamindar,  District Dacca, says, 'Bhang leaves dried are used in fomentation in cases of rheumatism.' Rakhal Das Ghosh, Private Medical Practitioner, Calcutta, says, '...rheumatism...yield to the anodyne, soporific, antiperiodic, antispasmodic, and other properties of ganja or opium...' Mr. R. L. Ward, District Superintendent of Police, Rajshahi, says, 'Bhang is sometimes prescribed by the kabiraj for both external plaster and internal use in rheumatic pains..The oil prepared from the seeds of ganja is often used for rheumatic pain.' Babu Rajani Prasad Neogy, Excise Deputy Collector, Mymensingh, says, 'It has the effect of alleviating pain due to rheumatism...' Babu Abhilas Chandra Mukerjee, Brahmin, Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector, on deputation as 2nd Inspector of Excise, Bengal, says 'In cases of ...rheumatism... oil prepared with ganja (mustard oil and ganja) is used with much benefit...Yes; as a preventive against ...rheumatism, etc.' Babu Surendranath Mozoomdar, Brahmin, Special Excise Deputy Collector, Monghyr, says, 'Ganja is prescribed in the following diseases...Rheumatism.' Mr. L. Hare, Magistrate and Collector of Muzaffarpur, says, 'Rheumatic patients...are sometimes advised to smoke ganja.' Mr. F. H. Barrow, Magistrate and Collector of Bankura, says, 'All parts of the plants, the roots, the stem, the large leaves, the flowering tops and resin are all either alone, or mixed with other things, largely used for various diseases ...rheumatism...With regard to the diseases of cattle, the hemp plant, particularly its leaves, are used externally for rheumatism...I have also seen it largely used in malarious districts to counteract ...malarial rheumatism..' Mr. W. H. Grimley, Commissioner of Chota Nagpur, says, 'It is also taken as a medicine for the cure of...rheumatism in the form of a pill, the leaves being finely ground and mixed with a little water and black-pepper.' The extract from the Mysore Memorandum says 'Dr. Milne adds that, it alleviates pain and subdues spasm, and for this purpose it has been given, but with extremely variable results (it may be owing to inert specimens of it) in...chronic rheumatism...' In its summary, the Hemp Commission states that 'Hemp drugs are also stated to be prescribed in...rheumatism...'

 

Cannabis for various types of arthritis have been found to benefit other animals as well.

 

Yet the number of people who benefit from cannabis's healing properties are in the thousands and restricted to a few places worldwide, mostly in the US and Europe, where the plant has been legalized for medical and/or recreational use. The total number of people who suffer from these ailments are in the hundreds of millions worldwide. None of these persons have legal access to cannabis, and most are not even aware that it could be effective against arthritis. These suffering elderly and chronic persons either have to depend on dangerous opioid based painkillers that doctors and the pharmaceutical industry prescribe for them, or endure the pain and try alternate remedies hoping it might work for them.

There is a critical need to legalize cannabis worldwide so that individuals can use the plant to treat their conditions especially the poor and aged, for whom growing a plant at home will enable them with access to cannabis's universal medical properties without having to be dependent on the inefficient , expensive and, in most cases, non-existent health care system.

Related articles

The following list of articles taken from various media speak about the above subject. Words in italics are the thoughts of yours truly at the time of reading the article. 

 

'Patients with inflammatory arthritis report reduced pain and sustained improvements in their health-related quality of life following their use of medical cannabis preparations, according to observational data published in the journal International Clinical Psychopharmacology.

British researchers assessed the use of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) consisting of either flower or oil extracts in 82 patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry. (Since 2018, British specialists have been permitted to prescribe cannabis-based medicinal products to patients unresponsive to conventional medications.) Researchers assessed changes in patient-reported outcomes measures at one, three, six, and 12 months.

Patients consistently reported improvements in anxiety, pain, and sleep during the length of the study

The study’s authors concluded: “This study demonstrates an associated improvement in pain severity and other relevant outcomes in individuals prescribed CBMPs for inflammatory arthritis-associated chronic pain. In addition, CBMPs were largely well tolerated by the majority of patients. … [T]hese results provide further support for continued evaluation of CBMPs in this setting.”'

https://norml.org/news/2024/07/11/study-patients-with-inflammatory-arthritis-report-sustained-relief-from-cannabis/

'There is evidence that chronic osteoarthritic pain in dogs can be reduced by supplementation with CBD. Furthermore, experiments are required to better understand whether CBD has an influence on noise-induced fear and anxiolytic response. Preliminary evidence exists to support the analgesic properties of CBD in treating chronic canine osteoarthritis; however, there are inter- and intra-species differences in pharmacokinetics, tolerance, dosage, and safety of CBD.

Therefore, to validate the anxiety management, pain management, and anti-inflammatory efficacy of CBD, it is essential to conduct systematic, randomized, and controlled trials. Further, the safety and efficacious dose of CBD in companion animals warrants investigation.'

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528821002538

'We found that the majority of individuals from all groups used cannabis to address pain and improve quality of sleep. While PwMS reported lower baseline levels across all five outcomes, we found that the reported effects of cannabis were largely comparable across the groups. We also found that cannabis benefitted persons with sleep and digestive issues regardless of condition, whereas persons who used opioids in addition to cannabis were less likely to experience an improvement in any of the outcomes. This comparative evaluation suggests that cannabis’ effects are not specific to MS, arthritis, or cancer as much as they impact processes common among these distinct conditions. We also found evidence that cannabis may be a viable alternative to opioids for those with these conditions and experiencing pain.'

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/11/5/532

'A significant minority of patients with rheumatologic diseases – such as lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis – actively consume cannabis, according to data published in the journal Rheumatology.

A team of French researchers conducted a meta-analysis of the relevant literature specific to the use of cannabis in patients with rheumatologic diseases.

Researchers reported that approximately 17 percent of all patients with rheumatological diseases are active consumers of cannabis. Cannabis use was most common among patients with fibromyalgia.

Overall, cannabis consumers tended to be younger in age and were most likely to report using cannabis to mitigate pain.'

https://norml.org/news/2020/11/19/nearly-20-percent-of-patients-with-rheumatologic-diseases-consume-cannabis

'Conclusion
Nearly 20% of patients suffering from rheumatologic diseases actively consume cannabis, with an improvement in pain. The issue of cannabis use in the management of these patients should be addressed during medical consultation, essentially with cannabis-based standardized pharmaceutical products.'

https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/rheumatology/keaa534/5960204

'Over one-third of patients diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) acknowledge having used cannabis for symptom management, according to data published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics. EDS is a debilitating connective tissue disorder that results in joint pain and hypermobility.

A team of investigators affiliated with the University of Colorado, School of Medicine surveyed over 500 patients with the disease. Four hundred and eight-six respondents completed the survey.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents reported having used cannabis therapeutically. Cannabis use was more prevalent among patients who reported experiencing either moderate or severe pain. Of all of the traditional and complementary therapies used by respondents, “marijuana was self-rated as most effective.”'

https://norml.org/news/2020/09/17/survey-many-patients-with-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-acknowledge-using-cannabis-for-pain-management

'CBD increases intracellular calcium levels, reduces cell viability, and IL-6/IL-8/MMP-3 production of RASF by activating TRPA1 and mitochondrial targets. This effect was enhanced by pre-treatment with TNF suggesting that CBD preferentially targets activated, pro-inflammatory RASF. Thus, CBD possesses anti-arthritic activity and might ameliorate arthritis via targeting synovial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions.'

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41419-020-02892-1

'Hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) is the major non-psychoactive component of cannabis and has been promoted as a potential treatment for a wide variety of disparate inflammatory conditions. Here we evaluated CBD for its ability to modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in murine models of induced inflammation and further validated the ability of a liposomal formulation to increase bioavailability in mice and in humans. Subsequently, the therapeutic potential of both naked and liposomally-encapsulated CBD was explored in a 4-week, randomized placebo-controlled, double-blinded study in a spontaneous canine model of osteoarthritis. In vitro and in mouse models, CBD significantly attenuated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a while elevating levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10. In the veterinary study, CBD significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent fashion among animals with an affirmative diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Liposomal CBD (20 mg/day) was as effective as the highest dose of non-liposomal CBD (50 mg/day) in improving clinical outcomes. Hematocrit, comprehensive metabolic profile, and clinical chemistry indicated no significant detrimental impact of CBD administration over the four week analysis period.'
https://www.jimmunol.org/content/204/1_Supplement/67.11.abstract

'Recent findings
Peripherally, cannabinoids show anti-inflammatory effects by activating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2) which decrease cytokine production and immune cell mobilization. In contrast, cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1) activation on immune cells is proinflammatory while CB1 antagonism provides anti-inflammatory effects by increasing ß2-adrenergic signaling in the joint and secondary lymphoid organs. In addition, the nonpsychotropic cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD) demonstrated antiarthritic effects independent of cannabinoid receptors. In addition to controlling inflammation, cannabinoids reduce pain by activating central and peripheral CB1, peripheral CB2 receptors and CBD-sensitive noncannabinoid receptor targets.

Summary
Cannabinoids might be a suitable treatment for RA [rheumatoid arthritis], but it is important to target the right receptors in the right place. For clinical studies, we propose a combination of a CB2 agonist to decrease cytokine production, a peripheral CB1 antagonist to prevent detrimental CB1 signaling and to support anti-inflammatory effects of CB2 via activation of ß2-adrenergic receptors and CBD to induce cannabinoid-receptor-independent anti-inflammatory effects.'
https://insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00002281-201905000-00009


'The other most common qualifying conditions were spinal cord disease and injuries, followed by traumatic brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.'
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-medical-marijuana-illinois-annual-report-20181004-story.html


'“Anecdotally, we’ve heard from our customers that have used those products that, gee, it’s helped with pain relief for arthritis and other ailments,” CVS CEO Larry Merlo said Thursday in an interview with CNBC’s Jim Cramer.

CVS specified that it’s not selling any CBD-containing supplements or food additives.'
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/21/cvs-starts-selling-cbd-products-in-some-states-after-hearing-from-customers.html


'Others requested medical marijuana for autism, migraines, lupus, severe acne, hyperthyroidism and arthritis. Two petitions asked the board to consider adding opioid addiction as a qualifying condition, as New York and Pennsylvania did last year.

Tessie Pollock, spokeswoman for the State Medical Board, said board lawyers are reviewing the petitions, and they will make recommendations to a committee set to meet Wednesday in Columbus. The committee will vote on which petitions will get more review by medical specialists for the various conditions and experts in medical marijuana programs in other states.

The committee then will make a recommendation to the full Medical Board by June 30 on which conditions to add to the qualifying list.'
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/01/04/ohio-considers-more-conditions-qualify-medical-marijuana/2481844002/



'“We haven’t seen a big spike in consumption,” Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper told Rolling Stone in April. “The only increase in consumption is among senior citizens, which we think is either Baby Boomers coming home to roost or arthritis and the aches and pains of growing older—people finding that marijuana is better pain solution than opioids or other things.”'
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/marijuana-consumption-booming-among-baby-boomers-study-finds/


'“People in their 80s and 90s, even retired Air Force colonels, are finding such relief” with cannabis, said Ms. Horne. “Almost everybody I know is using it in one form or another” — including her husband Hal, 68, a retired insurance broker, who says it helps him sleep.

In fact, so many Laguna Woods seniors use medical cannabis — for ailments ranging from arthritis and diabetes nerve pain to back injuries and insomnia — that the local dispensary, Bud and Bloom, charters a free bus to bring residents to its Santa Ana location to stock up on supplies. Along with a catered lunch, the bus riders get a seniors discount.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/07/health/seniors-marijuana-cannabis-pain.html