Show Me the Facts

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions involving damage to the joints of the body. There are different forms of arthritis and each has a different cause. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a result of trauma to the joint, infection of the joint, or age. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal anatomy might contribute to the early development of osteoarthritis^{[citation needed]}. Other arthritis forms are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint, causing inflammation. There is also an uncommon form of gout caused by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This gout is known as pseudogout.

(Wikipedia)

Marijuana Facts and Resources:

• Cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis
  Using cannabidiol as an oral anti-arthritic
• The Cannabinergic System as a Target for Anti-inflammatory Therapies
  “Results suggest therapeutic opportunities for a variety of inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, allergic asthma, and autoimmune diabetes through modulation of the endocannabinoid system.”
• Sativex in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis
  “In comparison with placebo, the CBM produced statistically significant improvements in pain on movement, pain at rest, quality of sleep, DAS28 and the SF-MPQ pain at present component.”
• Suppression of fibroblast metalloproteinases by ajulemic acid
  “These results suggest that AjA may be useful for treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.”
• The antinociceptive effect of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the arthritic rat
  “Our results indicate that the cannabinoid CB(2) receptor plays a critical role in cannabinoid-mediated antinociception, particularly in models of chronic inflammatory pain.”
• Synergy between Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and morphine in the arthritic rat
  “The isobolographic analysis indicated a synergistic interaction between Delta(9)-THC and morphine in both the non-arthritic and the arthritic rats. Since Freund’s adjuvant-induced alteration in endogenous opioid tone has been previously shown, our data indicate that such changes did not preclude the use of Delta(9)-THC and morphine in combination.”
• Rheumatoid arthritis, cannabis based medicine eases pain and suppresses disease
  “The researchers found that in comparison with the placebo, patients who had taken the CBM had statistically significant improvements in pain on movement, pain at rest, quality of sleep, inflammation (measured by a Disease Activity Score involving 28 joints – DAS 28) and intensity of pain (measured by the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire SF-MPQ).”
• Pot-Based Drug Promising for Arthritis
  “A spray containing two chemicals extracted from marijuana improved pain and sleep in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, British researchers report.”
• Anti-inflammatory compound from cannabis found in herbs
  “A compound found in cannabis as well as in herbs such as basil and oregano could help to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and arthritis, Swiss scientists believe.”
• Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of cannabis sativa l.
  “Two extracts of Cannabis sativa herb, one being cannabinoid–free (ethanol) and the other containing the cannabinoids (petroleum), were shown to inhibit PBQ- induced writhing in mouse when given orally and also to antagonize tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) -induced erythema of mouse skin when applied topically.”
• US Patent 6132762 – Transcutaneous application of marijuana
  “A transcutaneous therapeutic formulation comprising marijuana and a carrier for the treatment of pain, inflammation, arthritis and related disorders in humans and animals.”
• Cannabis May Suppress Immune System
  “Cannabis may offer hope to people with autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Cannabis seems to decrease inflammation in the body by suppressing certain parts of the immune system. Researchers are hoping this finding will lead to new treatments.”