Arthritis Awareness Month is an annual opportunity to shed light on the millions of Canadians living with arthritis and the impact it has on their lives. Arthritis, a term encompassing over 100 different conditions, affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While traditional treatments like pain relievers and physical therapy are common, there’s a growing interest in alternative therapies, including medicinal cannabis, for managing arthritis symptoms. Let’s explore the potential of medicinal cannabis as a complementary approach to arthritis management during Arthritis Awareness Month. Understanding Arthritis Before delving into medicinal cannabis, it’s important to understand arthritis and its various forms. Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The most common types in Canada are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affecting millions of Canadians. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, making effective pain management crucial. Medicinal Cannabis and Arthritis Medicinal cannabis has gained recognition for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing arthritis symptoms. While research is ongoing, several studies suggest that cannabis may offer relief in the following way: • Pain Management: Arthritis pain is often chronic and can be challenging to treat. Cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, have shown promise in reducing pain perception. • Inflammation Reduction: Inflammation is a hallmark of arthritis. Some cannabinoids, such as CBD, possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help mitigate joint inflammation in arthritis patients. • Improved Sleep: Many arthritis patients struggle with sleep disturbances due to pain and discomfort. Certain cannabinoids and cultivars may promote better sleep quality. • Enhanced Mood: Chronic pain conditions like arthritis can lead to depression and anxiety. Cannabis may have mood-enhancing effects, potentially improving the mental well-being of arthritis patients. • Reduced Medication Dependency: Some individuals with arthritis may be able to reduce their reliance on traditional pain medications, which often come with side effects, by incorporating medicinal cannabis into their treatment regimen. A recent observational study found that medicinal cannabis use is associated with a reduction in opioid prescriptions among patients with osteoarthritis. This suggests that incorporating medicinal cannabis into the treatment regimen for osteoarthritis patients may help reduce their reliance on opioid medications. The study’s findings highlight the potential of medicinal cannabis as an alternative or complementary therapy for managing pain in osteoarthritis patients, potentially offering a safer and more effective option1. Consulting a Healthcare Professional While medicinal cannabis shows promise, it’s essential for arthritis patients to consult with healthcare professionals before considering it as part of their treatment plan. They can provide personalized guidance, including dosage recommendations, potential risks, and benefits based on an individual’s specific arthritis type and severity. Need help getting a medicinal cannabis treatment plan for arthritis? Book An Appointment References: Renslo, B., Greis, A., Liu, C. S., Radakrishnan, A., & Ilyas, A. M. (2022). Medical Cannabis Use Reduces Opioid Prescriptions in Patients With Osteoarthritis. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.21564