Cannabis for Managing Arthritis: Short Answer
Cannabis may reduce arthritis pain for some people. Research on this use is limited. Most human studies test CBD or THC alone. Results are mixed. The FDA has not approved cannabis for arthritis. Talk to your doctor before you try it.
What Research Shows
Reviews of human trials find few high-quality studies on cannabis for arthritis. A 2021 review found 12 studies. Most were small. Some people reported less pain. Others reported no difference from placebo. Placebo effect is strong in pain studies.
cannabis for managing arthritis
CBD for Arthritis
CBD is a compound from cannabis. It does not cause a high. A 2022 study tested topical CBD on knee osteoarthritis. The study found no serious side effects. It did not find a large drop in pain. CBD may help sleep and anxiety. Those problems often occur with arthritis.
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THC for Arthritis
THC is the compound that causes a high. No THC drug is approved in the US for arthritis. Nabilone is a synthetic THC drug. Canada approves it for nausea from chemotherapy. Some people use medical cannabis for arthritis pain. A 2020 survey found 1 in 5 arthritis patients used cannabis. Most said it helped. Surveys cannot prove cause and effect.
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Risks and Interactions
- CBD can raise levels of some drugs. Examples: blood thinners, methotrexate, corticosteroids.
- THC can cause dizziness, memory problems, and dependence.
- Smoking cannabis harms lungs.
- Cannabis can affect driving and work.
Legal Status in the US
The FDA has not approved cannabis for arthritis. As of 2024, 38 states allow medical cannabis. Some states list arthritis as a qualifying condition. Other states do not. Check your state law. A doctor can recommend cannabis in some states. That is not a prescription.
What to Do
Talk to your rheumatologist. Do not stop your arthritis drugs. If you try CBD, start with a low dose. Buy lab-tested products. Look for a certificate of analysis. Check the batch number. Ask your doctor about interactions.