Even though arthritis is incurable at this time, its advancement can be slowed by a number of medical interventions. Lifestyle changes and other forms of early treatment have been shown to have the most success, but what role does cannabis play in the prevention and treatment of this disease? We’re going to go into arthritis, its various forms, and the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Why Do People Have Arthritis?
Inflammation and discomfort in one or more joints characterize a group of disorders collectively known as arthritis. Although it is more common in older people, it can affect anyone at any age. The following are some of the most important facts[1] concerning arthritis that you should know.
- Many people are impacted by this: Over 40 million[2] people in Europe are thought to have osteoarthritis, while in the United States, a whopping 54.4 million people have been diagnosed with arthritis.
- Women are more likely to be impacted by this than men: Somewhat surprisingly, scientists agree that arthritis is slightly more common in women than in males.
- Inactivity may play a role in the development of this illness: People who don’t exercise at all are more likely to get arthritis than those who do.
The effects of arthritis on people’s lives and on society as a whole are significant. As a result, it should come as no surprise that researchers are eager to discover novel approaches to treating the ailment, thereby increasing patients’ quality of life and decreasing their numbers. The wide variety of arthritis diagnoses and associated symptoms, however, makes effective treatment challenging.
Various Arthritis
This condition manifests itself in a variety of forms, some of which are more common than others.
| Osteoarthritis | Decline of cartilage tissue over time |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Chronic inflammation caused by immune system attacks on healthy tissue |
| Gout | Debilitating joint pain and edoema due to uric acid crystal buildup. |
| Lupus | An autoimmune disorder triggered by everything from a virus to a reaction to a drug to the onset of menopause. |
| Psoriatic arthritis | Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that manifests itself on the skin. |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Different diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis. However, the chances of getting carpal tunnel syndrome may be higher in people with arthritis. |
Furthermore, degenerative and inflammatory arthritis are the two most common types. Damage to the cartilage and lining of the joints caused by degenerative arthritis wears away at the bone over time.
Weaknesses in joint cartilage are not the root cause of inflammatory arthritis. Instead, it’s brought on by the immune system’s erroneous attack on healthy tissue, which can eventually wear away at the joints. To help distinguish between the two, let’s look at a typical diagnostic.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a form of degenerative arthritis, develops when cartilage, a strong and slippery connective tissue located between joints, deteriorates. Deterioration of cartilage exposes the bone surface, which leads to an increase in friction. Joint inflammation, bone erosion, and ligament injury are all potential outcomes of this illness.
Some of the signs of osteoarthritis are:
| Pain | Stiffness | Tenderness | Reduces flexibility |
| Grating sensationy | Swelling | Bone spurs |
- Rheumatoid arthritis
There is an inflammatory group that includes rheumatoid arthritis. The faulty immune system is the root cause of this ailment, which is why it is classified as an autoimmune disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, immune cells erode bone and cause joint deformity rather than mechanical wear and tear. The immune system doesn’t just target the joints; it can also attack the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart.
The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:
| The joints are sore and swollen. | Painful, achy joints | Fatigue | Fever | Appetite loss |
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
The median nerve is compressed, resulting in carpal tunnel syndrome. The medial cutaneous femoral cutaneous nerve is a sensory and motor nerve that travels from the neck down the front of the upper arm and forearm, and then into the palm side of the thumb and fingers (with the exception of the middle finger). This nerve travels via the carpal tunnel, a narrow canal formed by bones and connective tissue, on its route to the hand. Arthritic bone spurs are not itself a form of arthritis, but they can irritate the median nerve and cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome manifests itself through a variety of symptoms, including:
| Pain | Numbness | Tingling | Reduced grip strength |
Is rheumatism the same as arthritis, or are they two different diseases?
Just barely. The term “arthritis” was originally derived from the Greek for “disease of the joints,” and it now more specifically describes the inflammation, structural damage, and discomfort experienced by those who suffer from arthritis. Rheumatism, on the other hand, is a catch-all term for any condition characterised by inflammation and discomfort in the body’s articular, muscular, tendon, ligament, or other fibrous tissues.
In what ways, if any, might cannabis aid arthritis sufferers?
It’s obvious that millions of individuals may benefit from the creation of breakthrough treatments. To what extent, then, does cannabis hold promise as a remedy? Well, studies still in progress suggest that cannabis may play a role through influencing one of the body’s most crucial processes.
- A primer on the endocannabinoid system
Briefly discussing the endocannabinoid system is necessary for comprehending the relationship between cannabis and arthritis symptoms (ECS). Mood, hunger, bone remodelling, and neurotransmitter firing are all under the control of this intricate system of receptors, signalling molecules, and enzymes. Tissues as diverse as the neurological system, the reproductive system, the skeleton, the digestive tract, and the connective tissue all contain components of this system.
Where does it even serve? What’s more, the ECS plays a role in preserving homeostasis, the term used to describe the state of biological equilibrium. By ensuring that nothing is under- or overworked, it frees up resources for other systems to do their jobs properly. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) are the two primary receptors that make up the conventional ECS (CB2). It also contains enzymes and signalling chemicals called endocannabinoids.
As our understanding of the ECS has expanded, we’ve learned about its many other parts, such as the many distinct types of receptors inside it (such as TRPV1, PPAR, and other GPR receptors), as well as the many different signalling molecules that interact with them. These parts work together to form the endocannabinoidome[3], or the enlarged ECS.
The ECS’s potential function in the onset and progression of arthritis is the subject of ongoing research.
Osteoarthritis, for instance, has been linked to ECS components discovered in synovial tissue and fluid around joints, according to research from the University of Edinburgh.
Researchers showed that mice lacking the CB2 receptor had up to 40% greater cartilage degradation than normal mice. Interestingly, they observed that young mice with normal levels of CB2 were greatly protected from the disease when given a synthetic cannabinoid. Lack of receptor had no effect on the mice.
These results are consistent with Dr. Ethan Russo’s theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficit (CECD), which he developed while studying cannabis. Lack of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, or enzymes may have an effect on the endocannabinoid system, as proposed by CECD. Since this system is so important, deficiencies in its parts can result in a variety of illnesses.
Arthritis Treatment: THC vs. CBD
More than 100 different cannabinoids are produced by the cannabis plant, and all of them, like the endocannabinoids produced by the body, are able to bind to the ECS receptors. What does this suggest for those suffering from arthritis, given that cannabis phytochemicals can have an effect on one of the body’s most crucial systems? Well, current research is investigating the ECS’s potential as a therapeutic target in the illness.
Most contemporary cannabis strains include significant amounts of both THC and CBD.
They have dissimilar effects on the ECS, yet both are important.
The cannabinoid THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2. By activating cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain, it causes changes in neurotransmitter firing that have a psychotropic effect.
CBD, on the other hand, binds weakly to either of these receptors. Instead, it raises endocannabinoid levels by interfering with critical enzymes. Additionally, CBD interacts with the ECS receptor TRPV1, which plays a role in the processing of pain signals. Read on to learn the findings of the studies examining the possible effects of both cannabinoids on arthritis.
- THC and arthritis
Unfortunately, the effects of THC on people with arthritis have not been studied in human trials. However, results from other ongoing trials may be applicable to arthritis. Cannabis with a high THC content is being studied for its potential to alleviate inflammatory pain, as well as neuropathic and sleep quality complaints.
Some psychological issues that arthritis sufferers have may also be affected by THC.
As a result of physical discomfort and limited ability to move, many sufferers of this ailment also struggle with psychological issues. An immediate increase in the neurotransmitter dopamine[5] is one of the first effects of THC, which is known to have dramatic effects on one’s disposition.
- CBD and arthritis
Researchers have not had the opportunity to test CBD against arthritis in individuals due to a dearth of human clinical trials. Animal tests, however, provide some insight into the cannabinoid’s potential effects on humans. The effects of CBD on animal pain and inflammation are currently being studied[6].
CBD’s action is generated in large part by interfering with ECS enzymes despite the fact that it has a modest binding affinity for CB1 and CB2. Many endocannabinoids are degraded by the enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Inhibiting FAAH is being looked into as a means of raising levels of pain- and inflammation-relieving endocannabinoids[7].
What’s Best for Arthritis Pain: Oils, Sprays, or Topical Meds?
Research into the potential effects of cannabis on arthritis will also yield insights into the most effective strategies to utilise these phytochemicals.
CBD oil for arthritis? CBD cream for arthritis pain? These are just two of the many questions posed by arthritis sufferers who are investigating the medical potential of cannabis. We don’t know the answers to these questions just yet, but maybe more research will reveal how cannabis can help people with arthritis.
While this is happening, cannabis oil can be taken orally or sublingually. When cannabinoids like THC and CBD are ingested, they first pass via the digestive system and liver, where they are metabolised into different forms, and then are distributed throughout the body. Cannabinoids taken via the sublingual route (i.e., oil placed under the tongue) enter the bloodstream immediately and have effects quickly.
Topical and spray treatments administered directly to sore joints may provide temporary relief.
Since cannabinoids absorbed through the skin are mostly targeted by cells in the epidermis, sprays applied to the skin won’t result in very high absorption. Transdermal patches, on the other hand, allow for a topical application of cannabis that is able to enter the bloodstream beyond the joint.
Is There Any Proof That Cannabis Helps Arthritis?
Cognitive impairment is a typical side effect of THC in human trials[8], while dry mouth, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, tiredness, and weariness are common manifestations of CBD’s negative effects.
When compared to the safety profiles of many other drugs, cannabis comes out on top. However, for some people, especially those with existing mental health issues, THC can be quite upsetting. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has a favourable safety profile and is generally well tolerated[9].
Cannabis: A Modern View on an Old Medicine
A diagnosis of arthritis has been made by a medical professional in about half of all persons aged 65 and up, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of US adults with the illness, however, are of working age (18–64). Nationwide, medical marijuana consumers tend to be middle-aged, with a median age of 45[11]. These results show that elderly people with more severe arthritis are less inclined to try medical cannabis as a treatment option.
There is still a lot of social stigma attached to cannabis, which is unfortunate. However, older generations still feel the effects of the misinformation spread during Nixon’s war on drugs and the Reefer Madness era, even while newer generations view the plant through different eyes. However, scientific and policy developments are also influencing the perspectives of the elderly. Only 0.4% of persons aged 65 and up were cannabis users in 2007. The 2015 increase was a whopping 2.9%[12].
Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are just some of the components in cannabis that are currently being studied to see if they might alleviate pain, inflammation, joint degradation, and other symptoms that negatively impact the quality of life of the elderly.
Many senior patients are reluctant to try cannabis because of the stigma associated with cannabis smoking. On the other hand, they may be swayed by the prospect of new technologies. To reap the advantages of cannabis without the risks of combustion and carcinogens, consumers can turn to high-tech vaporizers, carefully dosed edible products, and expertly produced oils and extracts.
Responsible cannabis use guidelines are also being developed in an effort to remove the “irresponsible, lazy stoner” stigma associated with the drug.
The Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use, recently issued by NORML, help to present a more nuanced picture of the people who choose to use cannabis. To name a few of the rules:
- Adults only
- Don’t smoke and drive
- Be mindful of others
- Resist abuse
- Respect the rights of others
Cannabinoids as a Potential Treatment for Arthritis?
Regrettably, there is still a long way to go until there is definitive data for arthritis sufferers. To learn if the herb alleviates the condition’s symptoms, rigorous human trials are necessary. However, evidence implicating the ECS in the illness suggests cannabis as a potential agent. It is hoped that future research will determine which cannabinoids are most effective for relieving arthritis symptoms and via what route they are best administered.
