Medical Marijuana and Arthritis
Recent research has shown that medicinal marijuana can be effective in the treatment of arthritis. Marijuana is a strong analgesic (pain-reliever) and, when used by itself or in combination with other pain-killers, has been found to safely and effectively alleviate the pain from arthritis. Many arthritis patients who have added medical marijuana to their treatment regimen have been able to reduce or eliminate the use of potentially harmful painkillers. In addition to relieving pain, marijuana has been shown to suppress inflammation. Multiple studies have resulted in a better understanding of how marijuana helps arthritis and other diseases associated with inflammation caused by a malfunction of the immune system. When cannabidiol (CBD), one of the non-psychoactive components of marijuana, is metabolized in the body, an acid with potent anti-inflammatory action is created. THC, one of marijuana’s primary components, is broken down by the body and produces other chemicals called metabolites. One of these metabolites has been found to be an anti-inflammatory and pain-reliever. Scientists are optimistic that further research will reveal additional anti-inflammatory effects that will benefit arthritis patients not only tolerate the pain of their disease, but possibly eliminate the progression of symptoms. Many people who suffer with arthritis have chosen to use medical marijuana to improve their quality of life. They have found excellent results with improved movement, less pain, and reduced need for other potentially harmful medications. And there are other customs to take cannabis without smoking it so that one can avoid the irritating and potentially harmful damage to the lungs.