Cannabis and Arthritis: 3 Best Strains to Help with Arthritis

The cannabis plant boasts over 540 distinct compounds, with over 100 active constituents known as cannabinoids, exclusively present in the cannabis plant worldwide. The two predominant cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Products containing substantial levels of the psychoactive compound THC are commonly labeled as “cannabis,” a colloquial term. In this article, we employ the precise scientific term “cannabis” consistently to denote any products derived from the cannabis plant.

While numerous individuals subjectively report experiencing relief from arthritis pain through cannabis usage, the majority of current scientific evidence derives from animal studies or laboratory investigations. Researchers are actively exploring the potential therapeutic advantages of cannabis in pain management and its application in addressing various conditions like anxiety and sleep disorders.

Continue reading as we delve into the most recent research scrutinizing the connection between medical cannabis and alleviating arthritis discomfort. We also scrutinize potential side effects and optimal methods for administering cannabis.

What Constitutes Medical Cannabis?

Within the realm of therapeutic possibilities, medical cannabis emerges as the versatile elixir drawn from the cannabis plant’s myriad offerings. This botanical remedy finds its place in addressing an array of medical afflictions, including the persistent specters of chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Remarkably, though, the imprimatur of approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remains conspicuously elusive when it comes to cannabis’ efficacy in these therapeutic domains.

Many individuals seeking the healing embrace of medical cannabis gravitate toward its non-psychoactive sibling, CBD, or opt for cannabis derivatives that steer clear of the psychoactive compound THC. While THC does exhibit its own medicinal potential, it also unfurls the intoxicating tapestry responsible for cannabis’ recreational allure.

In the current landscape, Epidolex stands as the solitary CBD-based beacon with the coveted FDA seal of approval, specializing in addressing the rare epilepsy manifestations known as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

For those grappling with the adverse effects of cancer chemotherapy and the weight loss challenges in AIDS patients, Marinol and Syndrol come to the fore. These medications incorporate a synthetic rendition of THC, named dronabinol, and have been granted the FDA’s blessing to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea and the debilitating loss of weight in AIDS sufferers.

In regions where the legal sanctum of medical cannabis has been established, a potential gateway to this botanical therapy unveils itself through the acquisition of a medicinal cannabis card. This card, often obtainable with a physician’s recommendation, provides the green light to procure and possess cannabis within the boundaries of the law. In the sun-drenched state of California, doctors may extend their recommendation for cannabis therapy to individuals grappling with an array of conditions, including but not limited to:

• AIDS

• arthritis

• cancer

• chronic pain

• glaucoma

• migraine

• muscular contractions

• seizures

• severe nausea

• severe weight loss

• wasting syndrome

Is it possible for medical cannabis to alleviate arthritis discomfort?

While it is important to note that medical cannabis cannot be definitively hailed as a panacea for arthritis, it is crucial to recognize that several cannabis enterprises purporting to offer relief for arthritis-related woes have garnered stern cautionary missives from both the revered FDA and the Federal Trade Commission.

While it’s prudent to clarify that cannabis isn’t a curative elixir for arthritis, its potential to ameliorate certain symptoms warrants exploration. A comprehensive review conducted in the year 2020 underpins this perspective, revealing that when it comes to the realm of joint ailments, the reservoir of high-quality empirical investigations remains relatively shallow in the context of cannabis’s efficacy in human subjects. A substantial portion of the substantiation buttressing the utility of cannabis in mitigating the tribulations of arthritis pain either takes the form of anecdotal testimonies or is culled from the annals of animal experimentation.

Within the spectrum of cannabinoids, CBD emerges as a noteworthy candidate, boasting anti-inflammatory properties that might hold the key to alleviating the anguish associated with arthritis. Though the precise mechanisms by which CBD exerts its influence upon the human body remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, the intriguing findings of a 2020 study shed light on CBD’s potential to suppress the production of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts—molecules whose activity contributes to the erosion of cartilage.

Unlocking the Potential: How Cannabis Can Offer a Multi-Faceted Approach to Arthritis Management

Cannabis can potentially aid in the management of arthritis through several mechanisms, primarily thanks to its active compounds – cannabinoids such as THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). This is how it could prove advantageous:

• Pain Relief: Cannabinoids have the capability to engage with the cannabinoid receptors within the body’s endocannabinoid system, a system that contributes to pain regulation. Through this interaction, cannabis can potentially help reduce the pain associated with arthritis.

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial in reducing the inflammation that often accompanies arthritis, thereby potentially providing relief from swelling and pain.

• Improved Sleep: Many individuals with arthritis experience sleep disturbances due to pain and discomfort. Cannabis, particularly strains rich in CBD, can potentially help in improving sleep by alleviating pain and promoting relaxation.

• Muscle Relaxation: Cannabis can potentially help in relaxing muscles, thereby possibly providing relief from muscle stiffness and spasms that are commonly experienced by individuals with certain types of arthritis.

• Enhanced Mobility: Through its potential to decrease pain and inflammation, cannabis could potentially enhance the mobility and flexibility of individuals with arthritis, facilitating easier movement and participation in physical activities.

• Mood Enhancement: Persistent pain conditions such as arthritis frequently have the potential to trigger mood disorders like depression and anxiety. The use of cannabis can potentially uplift mood and reduce anxiety, helping individuals cope better with the emotional aspects of arthritis.

Human Research

In the tapestry of scientific exploration, a 2018 study unveiled intriguing insights amidst its canvas of 1,483 participants who turned to CBD as their healing brushstroke. Within this vibrant landscape, pain emerged as the most prevalent affliction seeking solace. Among this cohort, a resounding chorus of over 700 voices resonated with tales of CBD as their chosen maestro for orchestrating pain’s retreat, while a slightly smaller ensemble of nearly 700 individuals entrusted CBD to serenade away the woes of arthritis and joint discomfort.

The researchers’ keen eyes discerned:

• A mesmerizing 35.8 percent found CBD to be a solo virtuoso in soothing their medical maladies.
• A harmonious 30.4 percent discovered CBD to be a symphonic partner, weaving its therapeutic notes in harmony with conventional medicine.

Yet, in the unfolding narrative of a 2021 study, the spotlight shifted to the stage of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Here, researchers embarked on a quest to unravel the enigmatic allure of CBD, only to find that in the drama involving 48 individuals who had encountered CBD prior to surgical consultation, no apparent enchantment was witnessed. This performance was juxtaposed against the 152 souls who had not embraced CBD’s overture.

Meanwhile, in another chapter of 2021, researchers embarked on an ambitious quest to curate a tapestry of all available human studies that would unveil the true essence of medical cannabis in alleviating noncancer pain. Their symphony of findings conducted a nuanced crescendo, suggesting that, given the current mosaic of evidence, physicians should consider cannabis as a therapeutic option only after exploring several preceding avenues of treatment.

The call for further exploration resounds, as the canvas of cannabis’s potential in alleviating the travails of arthritis remains incomplete. The path ahead beckons for more diligent inquiry, seeking to decode the optimal dosage and illuminate the full spectrum of benefits and risks that cannabis may bestow in this complex landscape of ailment and remedy.

What is the Most Effective Way to Use Medical Cannabis for Arthritis Relief?

Cannabis can be consumed orally, inhaled, or applied directly to the skin. Various forms of cannabis products are available including:

• pills and capsules

• edibles

• oils and tinctures

• creams and lotions

• vapes

• joints and blunts

The realm of research exploring the optimum forms for pain alleviation through cannabis is still in its infancy. During a petite yet intriguing study conducted in 2013, scientists ventured to compare the pain-reducing prowess of inhaled cannabis harboring a 3.56% THC concentration to a 20-mg dosage of dronabinol (a synthetic variant of THC) administered orally. In this insightful journey, both mediums exhibited a knack for diminishing pain sensitivity when juxtaposed with a placebo, albeit the oral rendition of dronabinol showcased a longer-lasting influence.

Embarking on the cannabis consumption voyage necessitates a prudent approach characterized by initial moderation followed by gradual elevation. Notably, the crescendo of the effects from orally consumed cannabis might take a leisurely few hours to reach its zenith.

Venturing further into a 2018 scholarly gathering, a collective consensus underscores the strategy of commencing with a gentle dose and fine-tuning it in tandem with your evolving understanding of your body’s reception. The golden dose emerges as the one where agony bows down to relief, with minimal collateral repercussions.

Scribed in the annals of the aforementioned review is a word of caution, advocating for a daily THC consumption ceiling of 30 mg to fend off undesirable reactions. A myriad of regions embracing the legality of cannabis delineate a 10-mg THC quota as a single serving.

Yet, it’s worth noting that the intoxicating embrace of even a 2.5-mg THC dose can sweep some individuals off their feet. The tapestry of responses to cannabis is a rich and varied one, sculpted by an ensemble of elements including individual experiences, tolerance thresholds, genetic intricacies, and metabolic rhythms.

What are the Possible Side Effects one Should be Cautious About when Using Medical Cannabis?

The side effects of cannabis are dose-related, implying that the likelihood of experiencing them increases with the use of larger quantities. Novices are also at a higher risk of encountering these side effects.

Short-term adverse effects encompass:

• Anxiety

• Confusion

• Coordination problems

• Delusions

• Dry mouth

• Fatigue

• Hallucinations

• Hunger

• Poor memory

• Paranoia

Igniting cannabis shares a disconcerting kinship with tobacco smoking, potentially bestowing upon its user a bounty of similar tribulations driven by inflammation and distress in the pulmonary sanctum.

Venturing into the commercial landscape of cannabis products feels akin to stepping into a bazaar of an enigma, where a significant proportion bear labels that play a deceptive game of hide and seek with the true contents within. The stage is thus set for the grand entrance of unannounced ingredients or fluctuating quantities of the declared constituents. In a 2020 act of vigilance, the FDA pierced through the veil of this marketplace to reveal that a mere 30.95% of a selection of 84 CBD samples held truth to their labels, standing as testaments to authenticity in a sea of ambiguity.

3 Strains that Help with Arthritis

1. Pure Afghan

Pure Afghan is a revered indica strain, rooted deeply in the fertile grounds of the Afghanistan region, a place renowned for its premium cannabis cultivation. It embodies a rich lineage of landrace strains, which means it has not intermingled with other varieties and maintains a pure, unadulterated genetic profile. The Pure Afghan is a harbinger of a potent, tranquilizing experience, often characterized by its robust earthy and piney aroma, punctuated with hints of sweet hash. Consumers may find it offers a heavy-bodied, soothing effect, potentially making it a preferred choice for evening use or for those seeking to alleviate chronic pain or insomnia. The strain’s lush green buds, generously adorned with a coat of resinous trichomes, are a testament to its potent, high-quality nature. As with all strains, it’s advisable to use Pure Afghan responsibly and to be aware of its powerful effects, especially for individuals new to cannabis consumption.

The Pure Afghan strain, being a pure indica variety, may serve as a beneficial aid for those grappling with arthritis. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties can potentially alleviate swelling and pain which are hallmark symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, it is known for providing profound relaxation effects, which might assist in soothing muscle stiffness and spasms often associated with this condition. Furthermore, the strain’s potential to enhance sleep can be a boon for arthritis patients who find rest elusive due to persistent discomfort.

2. Dutch Dragon

Dutch Dragon, a vibrant Sativa dominant strain, traces its lineage to the warm and bountiful terrains of South Africa. This cannabis variety is celebrated for its energizing and uplifting properties, often catalyzing a burst of euphoria and creativity in its users. With a tantalizing flavor profile that marries sweet citrus notes with a subtle earthiness, Dutch Dragon offers a rich and complex aromatic experience. Beyond recreational enjoyment, this strain may hold therapeutic potential, particularly in the management of chronic pain, a symptom often encountered in arthritis patients. Its potential anti-inflammatory properties might offer some relief by reducing the inflammation and associated pain characteristic of arthritis. Individuals exploring Dutch Dragon for medicinal purposes should do so with a nuanced understanding of their medical conditions and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider, to navigate the nuances of its effects effectively.

The Dutch Dragon strain, renowned for its sativa-dominant characteristics, might be a potent ally in combating the challenges of arthritis. Its potential anti-inflammatory qualities can possibly work towards reducing the inflammation often seen in arthritis, thereby potentially easing discomfort and pain. Furthermore, its uplifting and energizing effects may help in combating fatigue and mood disorders that frequently accompany chronic pain conditions. The strain is also noted for possibly aiding in enhancing focus and creativity, which might be beneficial for individuals looking to divert their minds from persistent arthritis pain.

3. Appleberry

Appleberry, a tantalizing strain that masterfully intertwines the sweetness of ripe apples with the rich undertones of berries, stands as a testament to the inventive world of cannabis breeding. This Indica-dominant hybrid, birthed from a meticulous cross of Dynamite and White Widow, is highly regarded for its potent yet balanced effects, offering users a harmonious blend of relaxation and euphoria. Its rich terpene profile not only imparts a delightful aroma but also potentially embodies anti-inflammatory properties, making it a candidate worth considering in the holistic management of arthritis. Beyond its potential to alleviate physical discomfort, Appleberry may facilitate a serene mental space, aiding individuals in navigating the often taxing emotional terrain that accompanies chronic ailments. The strain’s reputation for fostering relaxation and promoting sleep could be particularly beneficial for arthritis patients who find the tranquility of night marred by pain and discomfort. As always, the exploration of cannabis strains for medical purposes should be undertaken with informed discretion and, preferably, under medical guidance.

The Appleberry strain, an Indica-dominant hybrid, is gaining attention as a potential aid in managing arthritis symptoms. Its reputed anti-inflammatory properties might offer relief from the chronic inflammation and pain that arthritis patients frequently endure. Furthermore, its calming and euphoric effects can potentially serve as a natural mood enhancer, assisting individuals in dealing with the emotional strains that often accompany chronic diseases. Moreover, the Appleberry strain is noted for its potential to promote restful sleep, which might be a significant boon for those whose sleep is disrupted by persistent arthritis-related discomfort.