Treating Arthritis With Cannabis: A Natural Path To Pain Relief and Inflammation Control

How Effective Is Treating Arthritis With Cannabis? Discover Science-Backed Natural Alternatives

Over 6 million Canadians have arthritis, with many turning to cannabis for relief. But is treating arthritis with cannabis effective, or is it just another fad? As mentioned above, arthritis affects over 20% of the Canadian population. According to the Arthritis Society Canada, the prevalence is on the rise, with 50% more people projected to be affected by 2045. Most people manage their arthritis using opioids, which places them at risk of developing dependency or addiction, especially since there is no cure for the condition. Using opioids to manage a chronic condition could lead to a case of the treatment being worse than the disease.

To avoid developing dependency or addiction to pharmaceuticals, many people with arthritis are switching to natural alternatives. Most are switching to cannabis for arthritis pain relief. But does treating arthritis with cannabis work? And if it does, what are the best cannabis strains for arthritis? In this article, we explore the effectiveness of marijuana for arthritis with the aim of answering the question, ‘Does weed help arthritis?’ We’ll take a look at a look at the various anti-inflammatory cannabinoids and their role in treating arthritis with cannabis.

We will also introduce you to Supreme Dispensary, the leading online cannabis store in Canada. Our online weed dispensary is known for offering premium cannabis products at the lowest prices in the market. Read on.

Understanding Arthritis: What You’re Really Dealing With

Before we get into how to use cannabis for arthritis pain relief, let’s first understand the condition.  Chances are that you or someone you know has arthritis. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability, with over one in every five Canadians suffering from the condition. There are over 100 types of arthritis affecting the joints, joint tissues and other connective tissues. Before learning how to use cannabis for arthritis, let’s first define what the term means.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of the condition are joint pain, inflammation and stiffness, although some forms may manifest other symptoms. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, commonly abbreviated as OA, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting nearly 70% of Canadians with arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when tissues in the joint break down over time. This condition mainly occurs when joint cartilage wears out, leaving the bones underneath unprotected and causing inflammation.

The bones begin to rub, causing pain and stiffness that gets worse with movement. This mostly occurs as people age.The other common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, commonly abbreviated as RA. RA is one of the most disabling forms of arthritis. Unlike OA, which is caused by cartilage wear and tear, RA is an autoimmune disease. This means the condition occurs when the immune system begins to attack the body instead of intruders.

In RA, the immune system attacks the synovial membrane that protects the joint. This causes symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased range of motion.  Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause fever, fatigue, anemia and loss of appetite. Since rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking joints, it can occur in several joints simultaneously, i.e., both hips. Now that you know the condition, can natural arthritis remedies work? Does weed help arthritis?

Can Cannabis for Arthritis Pain Relief Work?

Is treating arthritis with cannabis possible? How does weed help arthritis? Current research suggests that cannabis may help manage the symptoms of arthritis. However, marijuana for arthritis differs with the type of condition. So, how does marijuana for arthritis work? Research shows that anti-inflammatory cannabinoids work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system comprising endocannabinoids, enzymes and cannabinoid receptors. The ECS plays a role in modulating all bodily functions. The ECS is responsible for modulating physiological functions such as pain perception, inflammation response, immune response, mood, appetite, and memory, among others. But is there a connection between arthritis and the endocannabinoid system? The endocannabinoid system is made of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. CB1 receptors are found in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found in the brain and organ tissues.

These receptors are also found in the synovial membrane, and the ECS plays a role in inflammatory and immune response. This suggests a connection between rheumatoid arthritis and the endocannabinoid system. Current research suggests that cannabis may inhibit synovial inflammation by activating CB2 receptors. However, cannabis for arthritis pain relief has not yet been confirmed as a treatment for the condition; more research and clinical trials are still needed.

What about osteoarthritis and the endocannabinoid system? While there is no evidence that cannabis can reduce or slow disease progression, many consumers who buy weed online in Canada at our cannabis store are treating arthritis with cannabis. But can it help? Anti-inflammatory cannabinoids such as CBD for joint pain and THC for inflammation have been found to have analgesic and anti-inflammation effects. Inflammation and pain are the primary symptoms of both forms of arthritis.

Consumers who order weed online at our cannabis dispensary recommend using cannabis topicals for arthritis as they offer surface relief and edibles for pain relief. So, what are the best cannabinoids to use when treating arthritis with cannabis?

Best Cannabis Compounds for Arthritis Relief

Consumers who order buds at our online weed dispensary recommend using full-spectrum cannabis for arthritis pain relief. However, the two most impactful cannabis cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

CBD for Joint Pain

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the primary non-intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis. It’s also the second most abundant cannabinoid after THC.  Cannabidiol won’t get you high. However, research shows that CBD has high anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving potential and relaxes muscles. 

Through these effects, CBD for joint pain may provide arthritis relief by helping manage the two primary symptoms, inflammation and pain. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to produce its anti-inflammatory effects. CBD is also considered safe to use, even in high doses. 

Are you looking to buy high CBD cannabis for arthritis pain relief? Order weed online at Supreme Dispensary today.  Supreme Dispensary is the leading online dispensary in Canada for all types of premium CBD products at the lowest prices. From CBD edibles for pain relief to vapes and isolates, our cannabis dispensary has got you covered.

THC for Inflammation

Most people treating arthritis with cannabis report the benefits of THC, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in weed. THC, like CBD, induces its effects by binding to the CB1 receptors of the endocannabinoid.

While THC for inflammation is not a cure for the condition, it may help curb pain, improve sleep and lower inflammation. As such, THC may help you manage the symptoms through its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Consumers treating arthritis with cannabis recommend balanced THC to CBD strains for maximum relief. Looking for the best cannabis strains for arthritis relief? Buy weed online in Canada at Supreme Dispensary today.

Our online dispensary in Canada is known for offering high-quality cannabis products at the lowest prices in the market. Order weed from us today and enjoy low prices for high-quality products, and Canada-wide shipping.

How to Take Cannabis for Arthritis Pain Relief: Best Delivery Methods

1. Cannabis Topicals for Arthritis Relief

Topicals are cannabis products designed to be applied directly to the skin surface. The most common topicals are salves, balms, and lotions. Cannabis topicals for arthritis allow you to address specific areas with precision, relieving pain and inflammation without causing psychoactive effects.

2. Edibles for Pain Relief

Some consumers are treating arthritis with cannabis edibles. Edibles provide long-lasting relief compared to inhalation techniques such as vapes and smokables. Edibles address full-body relief. As a result, they can’t be used to address localized joint pains.

3. Tinctures and Oils

Wondering how to use cannabis for arthritis? Tinctures and oils can be administered orally or sublingually.  These allow you to precisely dose CBD or THC, and the effects kick in faster than edibles.

4. Vaping

You can also vape cannabis for arthritis pain relief. Vapes, like smokable cannabis, provide almost instant relief; however, the effects don’t last for as long as edibles. Treating arthritis with cannabis vapes is also considered to be healthier than smoking. This is because no harmful smoke components are produced.

Best Cannabis Strains for Arthritis

The best cannabis strains for arthritis are those with high CBD or a balanced THC and CBD content. Some of the strains people treating with cannabis prefer include ACDC, OG Kush, Blue Dream and Charlotte’s Web.

ACDC is a sativa dominant hybrid created through a cross between Cannatonic and an unknown ruderalis. It has a high CBD content of 12%, with THC testing at 1-5%, making it an excellent option for arthritis relief. ACDC terpene profile includes myrcene, pinene and caryophyllene. This strain has one of the highest CBD: THC ratios known to man.

Charlotte’s Web is another strain with a high CBD: THC ratio. This strain, crossed by the Stanley Brothers of Colorado, has 1% THC and between 12% and 20% CBD. The most abundant terpenes in Charlotte’s Web include myrcene, caryophyllene and pinene. Are you looking to buy these high CBD, low THC hybrid strains? Order weed online at Supreme Dispensary today.

What the Research Says About Treating Arthritis with Cannabis

Several research papers have found evidence that cannabis may be effective in treating arthritis. One research paper published in 2022 found that CBD may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. The researchers found that CBD also improved physical function and sleep quality.

Another research paper investigated the efficacy of cannabis in managing inflammation. The researchers found that different cannabis compounds, including terpenes and cannabinoids, may inhibit inflammatory responses, which may help manage arthritis.

A review of research studies found that THC is highly effective in managing acute and chronic pain and inflammation. The research also found that THC could be used safely, with only mild side effects such as intoxication.

Current research shows treating arthritis with cannabis may be effective. However, more studies are still needed before it can be approved as a treatment.

Where to Buy Cannabis for Arthritis in Canada

Treating arthritis with cannabis? You can now buy high-quality cannabis products at Supreme Dispensary, the leading online weed dispensary in Canada, at low prices.

At Supreme Dispensary, we have a wide range of cannabis products, from edibles, topicals, and vapes to oils and tinctures. All our products are Canada-sourced and tested for quality, effectiveness and safety. 

Looking for natural relief from arthritis symptoms? Buy cannabis for arthritis pain relief at our online weed dispensary in Canada today.