Definition of Medical Cannabis
Cannabis is a flowering plant that produces cannabinoids, which can be used to treat the symptoms of various conditions, including arthritis. These chemicals interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system, influencing pain, inflammation, immune function, appetite, heart function, memory, and mood.
While medical cannabis cannot cure or slow the progression of arthritis, studies have shown that it can help relieve arthritis pain and address sleep issues and anxiety.
How Cannabis Treatment Can Help Arthritis:
With medicinal marijuana, many of the symptoms of arthritis can be reduced or eliminated.
Pain Relief: Because cannabis is an effective pain reliever, it can benefit arthritis patients in pain.
Inflammation and Joint Stiffness: Cannabis can help arthritis patients in pain because it is a powerful pain reliever. Cannabis’ anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce joint pain and swelling.
Depression: Arthritis patients who are depressed are at a significantly higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts, and cannabis can help to mitigate risks. Suicidal thoughts are substantially more likely in arthritis patients who are depressed, and these risks can be reduced with cannabis.
Sleep Disorders: A large proportion of arthritis patients suffer from sleep disorders.
What Is the Best Way to Use Medical Cannabis for Arthritis?
Marijuana can be consumed in various ways, including smoking, cannabis-infused edibles, cannabis oil, Sprays and topical creams.
Smoking: The most common method of consuming medical marijuana is smoking. It can, however, be difficult for some arthritis patients to deal with. Some patients may find it difficult to smoke medical cannabis due to pain or joint stiffness.
Edibles: Cannabis can also be ingested through cannabis butter or oil food. It takes longer for the relief to kick in, but it lasts longer.
Cannabis Oil: Marijuana oil is combined with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or avocado oil, and applied topically or placed in a capsule for consumption. For easier absorption, the oil can be mixed with food or drink or placed directly under the tongue for one minute to speed up absorption into the bloodstream.
Sprays: Sprays are absorbed into the bloodstream after applying under the tongue.
Topical Creams: Topical creams can be applied directly to the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Topical creams can provide pain relief at the site of application.
What Are the Impacts of Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis treatments, like other medications, are not without risk and may result in side effects. Medical marijuana’s side effects are typically minor and transient. Some patients, however, may experience more severe side effects.
The following are the most common medical cannabis side effects:
- Mouth Dryness
- Dry eyes
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Appetite Suppression
- Sleepiness
Side effects of medical marijuana can be managed by adjusting the dosage or switching brands. Medical cannabis with high THC levels may cause temporary memory loss and loss of concentration, but these side effects are manageable. If you are experiencing severe side effects, you should contact your doctor right away. If you are concerned that you are having an adverse reaction to medical marijuana, contact your doctor.
Seek Guidance From Experts
In the case of arthritis and other symptoms of the condition, marijuana medicine can be a very effective pain reliever. It may, on the other hand, have serious side effects. When cannabis is combined with other medications, it has the potential to produce unwanted side effects or even trigger the onset of new medical conditions.
Because cannabis oil is highly potent, it should only be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
A medical professional can advise you on the best dosage and product type to treat your symptoms. They may also advise you to try CBD-only creams and oils, which have fewer side effects, are less addictive, and are less intense.
Patients must also be aware of their state’s medical marijuana laws to receive the best possible treatment.
Whether you intend to use medical cannabis or not, it is critical to check with your health insurance provider to determine whether your policy covers the cost of the cannabis. If this is not the case, you will be required to pay out of your pocket.