Recent research shows that more arthritis patients are considering cannabis treatment for managing pain, muscle spasms, etc. Also, patients are replacing opioid medications with marijuana. In fact, marijuana legalized states have reported a significant reduction in the number of deaths due to opioid overdose.
In this post, we will discuss how cannabis for arthritis works and top strains,, and getting an MMJ card from medical marijuana doctors.
How Marijuana Treatment Works?
Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and pain in multiple joints. Medical researchers believe that pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can worsen over time. The CDC estimates that 53 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis.
Usually, doctors prescribe analgesics such as Percocet and Tylenol for managing pain associated with arthritis. OTC NSAIDs such as Advil and Motrin are also preferred by patients for pain management and anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies show that cannabis can help ease arthritis symptoms. Marijuana has amazing anti-inflammatory and pain management properties. Unlike NSAIDs, cannabis treatment doesn’t lead to life-threatening side-effects.
In the United States, arthritis is a common reason for disability. And, arthritis patients often experience stress and depression. Cannabis can improve mental health by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Its cannabinoids attach to receptors—just like endocannabinoids do.
Marijuana’s non-psychoactive compound CBD is also helpful in reducing pain. In fact, a Gallup poll in August 2019 found that 14 percent of the Americans use CBD-infused products for various reasons—pain tops the list.
In a study published in 2016, researchers confirmed that Sativex, a marijuana-based mouth spray, was helpful in reducing arthritis pain. The manufacturer of this spray uses cannabis extracts with CBD and THC.
In addition to managing pain, CBD is also beneficial in reducing anxiety and boosting sleep. Here’s an explainer video about CBD’s health benefits-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eia7Rh5LP8 (please embed this video here)
You can find a wide range of CBD products in different forms, such as oils, concentrates, edibles, etc. As per the Farm Bill, only hemp-derived CBD (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal in the United States. If you want to use high-THC products, you require a recommendation letter signed by one of the medical marijuana doctors.
Top Marijuana Strains For Managing Arthritis Symptoms
Selecting the right strains is important when it comes to using cannabis for managing your arthritis symptoms. Here are the best marijuana strains for arthritis-
ACDC
Harlequin
Skywalker OG
Cannatonic
White Widow
Jack Herer
Blue Diesel
Getting a Medical Marijuana Card
Marijuana is still illegal according to federal regulations. But, medical use of cannabis is legal in more than 30 US states. If you are living in a cannabis legalized state, you can apply for a marijuana evaluation. Benefits of getting a doctor’s recommendation include access to state-licensed dispensaries, tax saving, age relaxation and legal permission to cultivate cannabis plants at home (as per state regulations).
Now at Online Medical Card, you can apply for your medical marijuana card in just 10 minutes. The process is-
Instant account sign up
See one of the medical marijuana doctors online
Medical marijuana recommendation (in pdf) delivery