10 million
people in the UK have arthritis, around 8 million of these have osteoarthritis.
1 in 5
medical cannabis patients in the UK are using cannabis to manage arthritis
66%
of US arthritis patients said their sleep improved after trying a CBD treatment
51%
of RA patients said arthritis cannabis-based treatments improved their pain
Symptoms
Inflammation of the joints
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Joint tenderness
Muscle wasting
Restricted movement
Warm, red skin over joints
Weakness
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from arthritis. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
Alternative Medicines
In some cases, the progression of arthritis can be slowed using certain medicines like disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), but typically patients are prescribed analgesic painkillers and anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to help manage their symptoms, or offered physiotherapy, and sometimes even surgery.
Co-codamol
Diclofenac
Methotrexate
Naproxen
Prednisolone
Sulfasalazine
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
Condition Arthritis
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Condition Peripheral Neuropathy
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Condition Anxiety & Depression
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Condition Depression
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Condition Chronic Pain
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Condition Restless Legs Syndrome
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Condition Insomnia
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Condition Depression
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Condition CRPS
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Condition Adjunctive Cancer Care
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Condition Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
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Condition Insomnia & Chronic Pain
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Condition ADHD
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Condition Endometriosis
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Condition Low Back Pain
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Condition ADHD
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Condition Anxiety & ADHD
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Condition Chronic Pain
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Condition Anxiety & Depression
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Condition Chronic Pain
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Condition Endometriosis
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Condition PTSD
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Condition Fibromyalgia
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"Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and the underlying bone. Medical cannabis has shown promise as a complementary treatment for symptom control in OA. Benefits include reducing chronic pain, reducing inflammation associated with cartilage damage, reducing muscle stiffness/ spasm and aiding disrupted sleep. Patients using medical cannabis often report improvements in overall quality of life.
Inflammatory arthritis, which includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is caused by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. Other parts of the body may also be affected. Symptoms include chronic joint pain, stiffness and swelling. If left untreated, destruction/damage of the joints can occur, leading to reduced function and disability. Medical cannabis shows promise as a complementary treatment for inflammatory arthritis, particularly for managing pain, inflammation and sleep. Some research suggests that cannabinoids might have immune-modulating effects, thereby benefitting conditions where the immune system plays a key role."
Dr. Sue Clenton
Medical Director
04. 08. 2023
Patients battling arthritis often experience chronic pain, and when left untreated, the pain associated with the condition can prevent them from carrying out daily activities, and living a normal, healthy, fulfilling life.
04. 08. 2023
16. 09. 2023
The two most often encountered forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Both of these conditions involve the breakdown of joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Certain terpenes are showing great promise in offering arthritis patients a range of therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic (slowing the breakdown of muscle tissue), analgesic, and anti-spasmodic properties.
16. 09. 2023
04. 09. 2023
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Although it can manifest in any articulated joint, it most commonly impacts knees, hands, feet, and wrists.
04. 09. 2023
Patients may be prescribed medical cannabis for arthritis if they’re struggling with daily pain and have found conventional medications aren’t necessarily performing as expected. Some people may be concerned about the long-term effects of opioids, while others may find the side effects of certain medications unpleasant. Alternative treatments for arthritis like medical cannabis may help mitigate these issues, and could represent a pathway to improved quality of life.
Medical cannabis contains many potentially therapeutic compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes. The two most well-known and well-researched cannabinoids are THC and CBD. Research suggests that both these compounds show promise for managing the pain associated with arthritis. A 2024 study assessed 290 patients who self-reported a drop in pain levels after being administered CBD for arthritis. On a pain scale from 1-10, pain levels dropped, on average, from 6.16 to 3.89.
Another study from 2021 reported that patients taking medical cannabis for musculoskeletal pain reported reduced pain levels and improved psychological well-being. This research specifically states that THC has “...well-established effects on pain…” suggesting that prescribing THC for arthritis could be a promising approach for some patients.
When considering medical cannabis for arthritis UK patients could be prescribed the medication for any type of arthritis that causes pain, inflammation, or associated symptoms.
|
Type of arthritis |
Typical symptoms |
How medical cannabis could help |
|
Damaged cartilage and joint wear and tear can lead to swelling, pain, and the growth of extra bone, causing hard nodules, particularly in the fingers. |
Pain management is a key aspect of treatment, and medical cannabis for osteoarthritis shows promise as an anti-inflammatory treatment. |
|
|
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling, pain, stiffness, inflammation (including feelings of heat), fatigue, fever, weight loss, and inflammatory chest pain, among other symptoms. |
The potential anti-inflammatory action of compounds found in medical cannabis could help alleviate pain and swelling, and promote better sleep, making medical cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis an option for some people. |
|
|
Psoriatic arthritis |
Linked to the inflammatory skin condition psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, including the toes, fingers, wrists, hips, and others. |
If you’re prescribed medical cannabis for psoriatic arthritis, it may be for both the symptoms associated with psoriasis inflammation and psoriatic arthritic pain. |
|
Gout is caused by urate crystals building up in the joints, most commonly the big toe. An attack of gout is where these crystals rub against the joint lining, causing intense pain and swelling. Joints become hot and tender, and the skin may appear smooth and shiny. |
The intense pain of gout is the most important symptom to manage. Medical cannabis has the potential to help manage and reduce the perception of pain, in certain cases. |
|
|
Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) |
This rare form of inflammatory arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness, but also rash, sore throat, and fever. |
As well as potentially helping to manage pain, medical cannabis may be prescribed for other AOSD symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. |
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors that runs throughout your body. These receptors, called CB1 and CB2 receptors, respond specifically to compounds called cannabinoids. You produce your own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids. It’s also possible to supplement with plant-based cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids.
The ECS is linked to multiple aspects of well-being, including pain perception, sleep, appetite, and mood regulation. These are all negatively impacted by the symptoms of arthritis. Medical cannabis is rich in phytocannabinoids, including THC and CBD, which may offer therapeutic effects on the ECS.
Yes, for some people, medical cannabis could offer relief for multiple symptoms associated with arthritis. While the pain of arthritic conditions is the most talked about symptom, patients may also experience sleep disturbances, mood dysregulation, and fatigue.
|
Arthritis symptoms |
How symptoms present |
How medical cannabis for arthritis could help |
|
Chronic or acute pain |
Chronic pain persists for a long time. Acute pain, such as that experienced with gout, lasts for shorter periods of time. Pain may be accompanied by swelling, heat, and a loss of mobility or motor skills. |
Releaf survey data shows that chronic pain is one of the most common conditions people are prescribed medical cannabis for, thanks to its potential anti-inflammatory properties. |
|
Insomnia and other sleep disorders |
Pain makes it harder to sleep, causing insomnia and nighttime waking, and potentially disrupting personal relationships. |
Some patients may find that medical cannabis helps with improved sleep, as it may promote a more relaxed state of mind and potentially reduce the perception of the pain that keeps them awake. |
|
Fatigue |
Constantly dealing with pain can lead to exhaustion, brain fog, and memory problems. A lack of good-quality sleep also contributes to fatigue. |
Better pain and sleep management should organically reduce fatigue levels. |
|
Long-term, painful health conditions like arthritis can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which may develop into depression. |
A 2022 study of 129 individuals reported that depression symptoms reduced when they were treated with medical cannabis. |
There are numerous studies exploring the impact of medical cannabis on arthritis symptoms, such as pain, insomnia, and mood disorders. A 2023 review in Cannabis Cannabinoid Research concluded that CBD was a potentially effective remedy for insomnia, suggesting that prescribing CBD for arthritis could help offer improved sleep and reduced fatigue. A 2004 double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that THC had sedative effects while CBD promoted alertness. This could suggest that some benefits appear to come from combined medical cannabis compounds.
A 2009 article in Future Medicinal Chemistry classed cannabinoids as “novel anti-inflammatory drugs,” with the ability to suppress inflammatory responses. The authors also mentioned that the ECS has a role to play in regulating the immune system. Medications that offer a therapeutic effect on the immune system could, potentially, offer relief for autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
A scoping review from 2023 published in Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal looked at the benefits of medical cannabis for rheumatoid arthritis. The report concluded that pre-clinical research showed “promising results” and that multiple cannabinoids showed potential as anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory medications.
Releaf provides eligible patients with medical cannabis in formats including:
Pastilles
Oils
Dried flower for vaporisers
Finding a format you’re most comfortable with is important, and your consultant will always consider your personal preferences.
Patient stories offer insight into how people are integrating medical cannabis into their daily routines. James, for example, uses a vape. He says:
“It’s mainly arthritis in my knees, both knees, actually. I’ve also got ligament damage in my right knee, which doesn’t help. When I vape my medical cannabis flower after I come home, it definitely eases it off. It takes most of the pain away and I can function better.”
There are now many conditions medical cannabis can be prescribed for in the UK, including various forms of arthritis. Of the 1,669 respondents to the largest survey of active UK medical cannabis patients ever conducted, 47.5% were using the medication to manage chronic pain, such as that experienced with arthritis and arthritic conditions.
If you want to know if medical cannabis is a possibility for you, head to the eligibility checker on the Releaf website. Releaf is the most trusted UK medical cannabis clinic, with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating from over 9,000 reviews. Our world-class clinical team includes more than 50 specialists, including doctors with experience treating many types of chronic pain and arthritis.
If you’re wondering how Releaf pricing works, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s transparent and simple. You can take a pay-as-you-go plan, or sign up for Releaf+. Once you’ve paid for your initial consultation, Releaf+ covers your prescription charges and deliveries, and your medication is discounted. You also get other exclusive benefits, including legal advice via Releaf Protect.
If you’re ready to join the 240,000+ Releaf community, fill out the medical cannabis eligibility checker or contact our team.
Releaf - redefining healthcare
In some cases, yes, particularly where pain is disrupting sleep. Easing the intensity of pain can promote a better night’s sleep, which can reduce fatigue levels and brain fog, and improve concentration and alertness.
Your consultant will carefully consider any other medications you’re taking for arthritis or other health conditions before deciding if medical cannabis is the appropriate next step for you. Remember to mention all the medications you’re taking, including any over-the-counter remedies or alternative treatments for arthritis, such as supplements.
The type of medication you’ll be prescribed will usually be based on personal preference. Let your consultant know which format you would prefer to try, and they’ll discuss whether that’s suitable for you and what dosage they recommend.
