Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints but may also affect other organs such as the lungs and eyes. It causes swelling and tenderness of the joints and, left untreated, can lead to cartilage and bone damage with significant deformities.

There is some science behind why cannabis may help some patients with RA. In collagen-induced arthritis in mice, joint inflammation improves with various cannabinoid treatments. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) is found in cells that line the joints of RA patients. These receptors are increased in patients with inflammation. Although there are highly effective treatments for RA, many patients still suffer from pain due to their disease. The use of cannabis helps to alleviate the pain from arthritis. Be sure to talk with your physician, to see if medical cannabis is right for you.