Medical Marijuana for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Reducing Inflammation Naturally

About 1.5 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chronic autoimmune condition causes your immune system to mistakenly attack and damage joint tissue, often leading to joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Prescription medications, like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), can help ease discomfort, but they come with potential side effects. As a result, patients are exploring alternative, natural treatments — including medical marijuana.

At MediCalm-PA, LLC, board-certified physician Kimberlee Park, DO, routinely prescribes medical marijuana for RA management. This article defines medical marijuana, explains how it may help you manage your RA symptoms, and outlines how to determine if this treatment approach is right for you.

Understanding medical marijuana

Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, is a therapeutic approach that uses the marijuana plant and products derived from it — such as tinctures, salves, and edibles — to manage the symptoms of acute and chronic diseases or injuries.

The marijuana plant contains more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids, but medical marijuana focuses on two, in particular:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 

THC is the psychoactive component in marijuana that produces a “high.” When you consume marijuana with THC, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system, a complex network of cells that regulates various functions, including mood, pain, and appetite.

For RA-related pain, this interaction may reduce inflammation and help modulate pain signals that your joints send to your brain.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is a compound that also interacts with the endocannabinoid system, but unlike THC, it produces no high; it offers anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Some studies have also found that it may help reduce swelling and potentially slow joint damage, but research is ongoing.

How medical marijuana helps manage RA-related symptoms

Medical marijuana may naturally provide RA patients with reduced joint stiffness, inflammation, and chronic pain. Together, these benefits can make it easier to move comfortably and perform daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and going to work.

For some people, the relief is noticeable enough that they may be able to reduce their use of traditional medications under a doctor’s supervision. This could lead to fewer side effects and less reliance on prescription drugs.

At the same time, medical marijuana can help relieve stress and anxiety associated with managing a chronic illness and may also make it easier to sleep. Because many RA patients experience insomnia and other sleep difficulties, this effect can offer meaningful relief.

Risks and considerations with medical marijuana

Medical marijuana is considered safe, and patients typically tolerate it well, but it can present side effects, including dry mouth, dizziness, and brain fog (cognitive impairment). It may also interact with other prescription and over-the-counter medications, so it’s important to take all of these factors into account. 

Before recommending this treatment approach, Dr. Park completes a comprehensive consultation via telephone. After discussing your goals and symptoms, reviewing your health history, and completing an evaluation, she can make personalized recommendations.

Discover if medical marijuana is right for you

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are using medical marijuana to ease symptoms like joint pain and inflammation. If you’re interested in this approach, request a non-certification consultation or medical marijuana certification with Dr. Park.

Contact MediCalm to schedule your phone appointment today. You can call 484-440-9494 or use online scheduling.