Rheumatoid arthritis and CBD oils

During this month we are learning about the positive impact using CBD oils and cannabinoids to treat body imbalances. The last Friday I had the pleasure to talk to Al Morentin, Cannabis Consultant and health coach in Arizona. His inspirational story where he regained his vision after suffering of Glaucoma by using a protocol based from cannabinoids wakes up curiosity about this medicinal alternative practice. Al speaks about medical cannabis: edibles, topicals and oils as treatment options to help manage arthritis symptoms.

This Friday we dedicated our talk to the autoimmune disorder Rheumatoid arthritis following after last week with Osteoarthritis.

Click below to watch the entire episode

Since 2001, medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in Canada for certain health conditions, including arthritis. While cannabis can’t cure arthritis or slow disease progression, some people report that it helps to alleviate their symptoms.

In accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, medical cannabis should not be used to treat rheumatology patients under the age of 25.

CBD and THC are the key active ingredients in medical cannabis. 

When it comes to cannabis something that scares me is the THC content. Sometimes I have felt panicking and anxiety. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-euphoric chemical, which means it will not make you feel “high” and can even help counteract some of the negative effects of THC when they are used together. CBD has been used to treat inflammation and chronic pain, along with managing anxiety and insomnia.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical that can cause a “high” or intoxicated feeling when taken in sufficient doses, but in small doses it can be helpful for some symptoms.   THC can help decrease pain, anxiety, tension and nausea. When taken in higher doses, it can heighten sensory perceptions, alter sense of time, and impact motor control. High doses of THC may also bring feelings of anxiety and paranoia for some people. 

Medical cannabis products can contain primarily CBD, primarily THC, or a balance of the two. It’s recommended that individuals with arthritis start with CBD-dominant products and introduce THC in small amounts if needed.

Rheumatoid arthritis & cannabis research in 2016

A double-blind, randomized, parallel group trial compared nabiximols to placebo in 58 patients with pain due to rheumatoid arthritis.

There were statistically significant improvements in pain on movement and at rest and quality of sleep

Federal regulations –Cannabis Act Across Canada, a medical cannabis patient:

  • Must obtain a medical document from a licensed healthcare provider

  • Can carry 30-day supply at a time (up to 150g) eg. 5 gram/day x 30 = 150g

  • Can order from Health Canada-approved Medical Sale License Holders (100+) or buy from adult-use retail stores

  • Can grow own plants (if healthcare provider approves)

  • Can consume in public places where cigarettes can be smoked

  • Can write cannabis expense off on taxes

  • Can consume cannabis at work dependent on policies in place

How do I know my dose is correct?

  • Screening with healthcare provider every visit includes : Sleep, anxiety, depression, pain

  • Improvement in my symptoms

I hope you enjoyed this short article. Remember to leave your questions and comments in the videoclip above.

Namaste

References

Fitzcharles MA, Ste-Marie PA, Häuser W, Clauw DJ, Jamal S, Karsh J, et al. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of cannabinoid treatments in the rheumatic diseases: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Arthritis Care Res. 2016;68(5):681–8.
https://arthritis.ca/treatment/medication/medical-cannabis Arthritis Society Canada
Joa Rivas