Arthritis, Inflammation and Cannabis. Is it promising?

As many of us are aware of the nation’s baby boomers age, they are facing a multitude of health-related ailments and costs. One of the most prominent concerns is the prevalence of chronic arthritis, an ailment that affects 52.5 million adults today and that number is expected to increase to 67 million by 2030.

One alternative that is quickly gaining popularity among the aging population is the use of cannabis to get full-bodied pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. Although there is a lack of data and research behind the effectiveness of cannabis as a treatment alternative for arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis specifically I can tell you it has worked with my family, friends, personally and clients. It is being looked at more and more everyday. Which is great new opportunity for our golden population. And for future generations that are aging.

• Arthritis symptoms can include but not limited to these:
• Injuries that don’t heal properly
• Carpal tunnel
• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• Persistent joint pain
• Locked joints
• Morning stiffness

So what is actually happening with the nerves during inflammation? The nerves are like wires that have been stripped of their coating. They are bare, can feel raw and this is responsible for feeling pain. What is hypothesize is that by locally administering these cannabis-like molecules to those nerves, it could actually repair them and reduce the pain of arthritis. Because the Endocannabinoid system is found within the body, every single cell and when using the correct cannabis fingerprint we are going to see amazing results.

A recent study published in the journal Rheumatology from Dr. Sheng-Ming Dai of China’s Second Military Medical University found that CB2 receptors are found in unusually high levels in the joint tissue of arthritis patients. The use of cannabis is shown to fight inflammation in the joints by activating the pathways of CB2 receptors. This is an amazing discovery for the   scientific community and for the Endocannabinoid enthusiasts.

Also happening in Canada, a researcher Dr. Jason McDougall, a professor of pharmacology and anesthesia at Dalhousie University in Halifax, has undertaken a new study to find out if medical marijuana can help repair arthritic joints and relieve pain. The study is supported by the Arthritis Society and is awarding a grant for a comprehensive, three-year study working to see if inflammation can repair the joint itself.  McDougall’s research is focused on non psychoactive cannabinoids, but so far, his findings has shown that cannabis molecules can attach themselves to nerve receptors and control the firing of pain signals in the joint.
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As a Health Care Provider and Cannabis Therapist I suggest working with cannabis as a dietary supplement. Healthy choices would be begin with juicing raw cannabis, blending it into a smoothie and consuming the whole raw plant. Another option would be eating is without adding heat. Or doing a full spectrum, flower only CBD concentrate or tincture. I personally use it topicality and have seen amazing results. With the right strain for my body make up its a perfect fit. We could eliminate the need for synthetic pharmaceuticals, wouldn't that be amazing for humans.