Millions of people, old and young, suffer from arthritis in the UK. It’s when the joints become inflamed, causing pain. There are lots of different types of arthritis, but two of the most common types are osteoarthritis, which mostly affects the hands, spine, knees and hips, followed by rheumatoid arthritis, which involves the body’s immune system targeting joints, which leads to pain and swelling.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions, including arthritis. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website.
Below we’ll be exploring arthritis and cannabinoid therapy, and how medical cannabis for arthritis could possibly be an alternative treatment option. We’ll look at how it works, some of the potential benefits and risks, and what you need to qualify for treatment.
Can Medical Cannabis Help with Arthritis Pain?
The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. Tetrahydrocannabinolis (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of these natural compounds, and they’re what you’ll see most often when researching medical cannabis.
Although THC and CBD have many similar potential medical benefits, they can have different effects. The main difference is that THC can produce a ‘high’, while CBD doesn’t. And remember, whilst there is evidence to give a general idea of how both THC and CBD may react with the body, they can affect every individual differently.
When it comes to CBD for arthritis pain in the UK, there’s evidence to suggest this cannabinoid can bring wide-ranging symptom relief to patients:
- In a 2022 study, CBD had a pronounced impact on pain, although participants also reported improved sleep and physical function.
- This research implies THC can induce sleep. And other research suggests that CBD may alleviate the symptoms of insomnia.
- CBD also has the potential to ease inflammation. Such findings are backed up by more studies, whereas other data implies a mix of THC and CBD may also prove effective.
- Some people have also reported that medical cannabis has the potential to reduce joint stiffness, but more research is being conducted to back this up and discover the true potential of this incredible plant.
THC and CBD for arthritis and inflammation are valid in their own right. But, in reality, both can play a lead role on certain health conditions: THC and CBD for joint pain and other conditions can sometimes be greater together, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
How Cannabis Works for Arthritis Relief
Medical cannabis works in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, or the ECS. This is a messenger and receptor system that plays a big role in homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. Research suggests that the ECS influences and modulates mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and much more.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. Many experts believe that, by consuming compounds like CBD and THC, it’s possible to interact with these receptors in the body. And that’s why medical cannabis can potentially have positive effects for so many different conditions, including modulating immune response and pain perception, and reducing inflammation.
Arthritis Symptoms That Medical Cannabis May Help With
As we explored above, some symptoms of arthritis that medical cannabis may potentially help with include:
And medical cannabis treatment for chronic pain and other arthritis symptoms may be a potentially better option than traditional treatments like NSAID or DMARD. Why? Because these may come with some pretty unpleasant side effects, like stomach irritation, limiting their effectiveness.
Medical Cannabis vs Traditional Arthritis Medication
The human body is complex. And everyone is different. So, unfortunately traditional medication doesn't work for everyone. And when traditional prescription medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, or corticosteroids don’t work, or someone’s body is unresponsive to them, medical cannabis is a great potential alternative.
Medical cannabis also comes with minimal side effects compared to many traditional medications, like opioids which come with a chilling set of risks like high tolerance, dependency, or even death. So, if you’re looking for a non-opioid treatment for arthritis to avoid opioids in general, medical cannabis may be a great option for you. Find out if you’re eligible today.
Best Cannabis Formats for Arthritis Relief in the UK
When it comes to medical cannabis, the way you consume is down to personal preference and your clinicians recommendation. They’ll advise a method of consumption based on your symptoms and condition, the severity of those symptoms, your lifestyle and tolerance. But they’ll also work with you to find what you’re comfortable with. Remember, you may not choose the right form at first, so speak to your clinician if you have any questions or preferences.
- Inhaling: This method of consumption provides rapid onset of effects, typically within minutes, making it suitable for immediate relief of symptoms such as pain.
- However, remember that smoking your prescription is illegal in the UK and could lead to lung damage. So, if your preferred method is inhalation, purchasing a dry herb vaporiser through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf is the best solution.
- Edibles & Capsules: Consuming cannabis-infused ‘edibles’, like pastilles, or soft gel capsules, results in slower onset of effects, which can take between 1 to 2 hours. This method is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- Oils/Tinctures: Placing cannabis oil or tincture under the tongue provides a faster onset than edibles, usually within 15 to 30 minutes, and, like edible options, relief tends to last longer than they do for inhaling.
- Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Applying cannabis-infused products directly to the skin targets localised pain and inflammation. This method does not produce psychoactive effects. Please note, you should only ever apply a medication topically if it has been advised by your doctor. The majority of medical cannabis products available for prescription are for consumption via inhalation or sublingually only. There are currently no topical products available for prescription at the time of writing this article.
Is Medical Cannabis Safe for Arthritis Patients?
Every medication comes with potential risks, and medical cannabis is no different. But possible side effects are rare, and can vary depending on THC and CBD content. Likewise, personal factors such as your past use, physiology and health condition could also play a role. You also have clinical supervision every step of the way with Alternaleaf. Our experts will personalise your treatment plan and alter it when necessary. Although medical cannabis is generally well tolerated, some possible side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Appetite
- Psychoactive Effects. However, the ‘high’ feeling cannabis can be associated with is much more controlled with medical cannabis, as your prescriber will be able to advise on dosage to avoid this while still achieving symptom relief.
In rare cases, and usually with strains higher in THC, you may have difficulty sleeping, feel anxiety and suffer from panic episodes. But don’t worry too much, your doctor will explain all this in detail, ahead of prescribing any medication. And if you are experiencing any side effects, speak to them. It may be a simple case of altering THC or CBD dosage for Parkinson’s symptoms.
Also keep in mind that medical cannabis could potentially interact with other medications.
Who Can Get a Medical Cannabis Prescription for Arthritis in the UK?
When it comes to getting a prescription of medical cannabis for arthritis pain, you can easily find out if you qualify through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. You’ll need a diagnosis of a qualifying condition. In this instance it may be moderate to severe arthritis. You’ll also need evidence of being offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. Keep in mind, if you’re pregnant or have a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, you won’t qualify. Complete our 30 second eligibility checker to find out if you qualify now.
Summary
While arthritis can significantly impact daily life, medical cannabis may be a potential alternative treatment for those who haven’t found relief with traditional medications. And this is all thanks to growing evidence supporting its role in managing pain, inflammation, and sleep issues. However, lots more research is needed, which is why one of our missions is to push medical cannabis into the mainstream.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’re considering medical cannabis treatment. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.