For some, arthritis is nothing more than an annoying side effect of aging. But for most, it is a debilitating and painful condition that causes daily suffering. Activities that were once simple tasks like walking around or opening a jar are made impossible due to debilitating joint pain and weakness. Current anti-inflammatory drug treatments for arthritis aren’t doing enough. Can marijuana anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation from arthritis?
Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder plagued by a hyperactive immune system that breaks down the soft tissues in joints and surrounding bones. Common treatment options almost always include a wide variety of painkillers. While painkillers are effective in masking arthritis pain, they are highly addictive. If they are taken for a long period of time, painkillers can cause major damage to your body.
Marijuana Anti-inflammatory Properties
For those who suffer from arthritis, the option of using medical marijuana to help treat its painful symptoms has been explored by many. Scientists have proven that Marijuana is a highly effective anti-inflammatory medicine. One study conducted in 2009 confirmed, “Manipulation of endocannabinoids and/or use of exogenous cannabinoids in vivo can constitute a potent treatment modality against inflammatory disorders.” The report focused on the “potential use of cannabinoids as a new class of anti-inflammatory agents against a number of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that are primarily triggered by activated T cells or other cellular immune components.”
Marijuana As An Effective Painkiller
The anti-inflammatory properties of marijuana have been proven. There are many scientific studies that have reached this conclusion. Marijuana is clearly an effective medicine for many conditions, but it is also an effective painkiller.
A study of patient self-reporting conducted by the University of California, Berkeley revealed that, “ninety-seven percent of the sample ‘strongly agreed/agreed’ that they are able to decrease the number of opiates they consume when they also use cannabis, and eighty-one percent ‘strongly agreed/agreed’ that taking cannabis by itself was more effective at treating their condition than taking cannabis with opioids.”
The overwhelming majority of medical patients agree that medical marijuana treats pain and inflammation much better than opioids. But this is to be expected. It is also to be expected that more and more chronic pain sufferers, like those with arthritis, will decide to substitute opioids with marijuana in their own best interest.
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