Can Marijuana Help Arthritis Pain?

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means swelling and inflammation of a joint. The symptoms associated of arthritis are stiffness and pain in the surrounding tissues and the joint. There are two types of arthritis that have different causes and different symptoms, which also need different treatments.

The most common type of arthritis is the Osteoarthritis. It affects more than 30 million U.S adults. It is the usual form of disease in which the protective cartilage of the bones slowly whittles away. A wear and tear situation.

The second type is the Rheumatoid arthritis. It affects 1.3 million people in the U.S. Unlike the Osteoarthritis, this is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system misfires and attacks the joints. It generally affects women, more often than men, with ages between 30 and 50.

Treatments will depend on what type of arthritis you have. These might include prescription medicines, physical therapy, changes in diet and lifestyle, and in the worst case, surgery. 

Cannabis and Arthritis Pain Relief

In a Gallup poll in August 2019, 14% of Americans use cannabis products for pain. No wonder marijuana delivery is common around the states where marijuana is legal.

The Arthritis Foundation conducted its own poll and supported the use of cannabidiol from the cannabis plant to relieve arthritis pain, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. They found that nearly 80% of the respondents either used cannabis, had used cannabis in the past, or were considering using cannabis in the future. Though there is “no rigorous clinical human studies”, the foundation urged FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to study and regulate CBD products for arthritis. 

Several studies (mostly animals) have conducted on how CBD can help relieve the inflammatory pain associated with arthritis. These are the following:

1. CBD can be a safe and useful treatment option for osteoarthritis' debilitating joint pain, according to a 2017 study.

2. The topical application of CBD can help relieve pain and inflammation, according to a 2016 study.

3. An anecdotal evidence of animals with osteoarthritis shows that CBD can be an effective treatment, according to a 2014 study.

4. CBD helped reduce inflammation pain in rats by targeting pain receptors, according to a 2011 study.

5. A May 2014 study by the Arthritis Care & Research concluded that the risk/benefit of marijuana “is inferior to all other analgesic classes other than opioids.”

6. In the September-October 2009 issue of the Journal of Opioid Management, “80 percent of medical marijuana users in a U.S. pain clinic were using cannabis to treat myofascial pain.” This is a pain that affects tissues and muscles. In Canada, 65 percent arthritis patients use marijuana to treat severe pain.

Although these findings are encouraging, it still needs conclusive evidence and more scientific research between CBD and arthritis.

Jahan Marcu, PhD, chief scientific officer of Americans for Safe Access, an organization that aims to ensure legal and safe access of marijuana for therapeutic research, advocates that “Chronic pain is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, and when it comes to chronic pain, we have 9,000 patient years of data showing that THC effectively treats it. Cannabinoids stop the transmission of pain and decrease inflammation, and that’s very important for people with joint issues.”

A cannabis-based mouth spray named Sativex is found to help ease arthritis pain, according to a study in 2006. However, the spray contains both CBD and psychoactive substance THC.

CBD Usage and Some Guidelines

There are many ways to ingest CBD into the body. It is in the form of an oil, topical cream, gel, oral spray or capsule. It is important to talk to your doctor before using any treatments. Should you decide to use CBD for your arthritis pain, educate yourself on the local laws about cannabis. Marijuana is legal in 33 states in the United States. You can contact local dispensaries and weed delivery in Santa Barbara service for your cannabis needs. However, the effectiveness of treatment also varies from person to person. It is vital to determine the right balance of CBD and other medications. It may take some time to find the right combination of different cannabis strains in different proportions to help you with your symptoms.

Below are the do’s and don’ts recommended by the Arthritis Foundation when considering marijuana for chronic arthritis pain:

Dos:

Choose a CBD product that has been independently tested for purity, potency and safety. A good example is to find a “Good Manufacturing Practices” or GMP certification.

CBD should be a part of an overall pain management plan. This should include non medication option such as exercise, diet, and therapy.

Start with a low dose in the evening, preferably oral treatment.

Establish treatment goals realistically.

Always consult your doctor about your planned CBD treatment options.

Monitor your pain results and medications.

Don’ts:

Don’t make CBD your first choice of treatment. It is good to consider other treatments then turn to CBD if others are not effective enough.

Pain management should be between you and your health practitioner. Do not rely on non medical practitioners such as CBD sellers to recommend you on pain medications.

Do not stop prescribed medications given by your doctor unless otherwise discussed.

What are the Downsides?

There are downsides, as with any other treatments. In general, CBD is considered safe, but it can still cause light-headedness, dry mouth and sleepiness. Owing to its unregulated industry, there may be uncertainties on the potency and purity of CBD. Patients and users’ due diligence is required. It is also not advisable for pregnant women. 

Summary

Although the evidence of human research is limited, the researches have achieved promising results. Researchers believe that marijuana in the form of CBD oil and topical, promises treatment for arthritis pain by affecting receptors in the brain and immune system. It is also a great help in reducing inflammation and chronic pain. Currently we may not have all the evidence we want, but if CBD can safely and effectively improve the chronic symptoms of arthritis, then order weed delivery in Los Angeles and it will be worth it.

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Things to Know while Traveling with Marijuana

Uncle Sam’s relationship with marijuana is evolving. In 2014, Colorado became the first U.S state to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes. Other states have followed after, making it to 33 states across the country today. Illinois is one of the latest to legalize marijuana for recreational use. As a result, O’Hare International and Midway now have pot amnesty boxes at the end of every security checkpoint for travelers who may arrive with cannabis and don’t want to break the law by flying with it.

In the US, adults 21 and over can easily buy cannabis of any form for either medicinal and recreational. Using marijuana has become a norm especially for people using it for relief. Designated marijuana dispensaries are everywhere and availing weed delivery in Culver City is now easy and hassle-free.

It has also opened doors for a thriving market for tourism. Now, wine and weed tours are booming in California, and more restaurants and dine in places incorporate cannabis in their plates. But, though marijuana tourism sector is likely to flourish, travelers with marijuana across state lines or international borders still need to be extra careful.

The Federal Law

A U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent explained that an American citizen returning home from Canada (where cannabis is also legal) will be allowed back in the U.S after consuming cannabis, though “he or she may face a couple extra questions.’’

The agent said that “if it’s obvious that someone in the car has smoked or we smell it, you may be subject to search at that point, but barring [possession, they] would be allowed to continue.’’

It means - once you enter a security checkpoint, federal law enforcement will take charge. And marijuana is illegal under federal law, although the authorities exhibit more lenient stance than in earlier years. So basically, crossing a border with a joint could still land you in serious trouble. The laws and guidance for travelers returning a visit to Canada are the same as those who traveled across state lines – even if you’re flying to a state where marijuana is legal.

Michael McCarthy – former TSA spokesperson and current spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - explained that regardless of the passenger’s destination, origin, amount of substance carried or having a medical marijuana card, TSA are still required to tell the police of any discovery during the screening. It’s up to the local police department to decide on the next steps.

Repercussions

Repercussions for travelers caught with marijuana will vary depending on the specific policies of the state. Law enforcement in Oregon let the passengers carrying marijuana to fly to other destination within the state without them having the substance disposed. Though this is not always the case. Some officers may allow you to pass through security with a bit of pot in your pocket. But beware in Idaho, Kansas, and South Dakota if you don’t want your hands cuffed behind your back!

Rob Pedregon, a public information officer at Los Angeles International (LAX) – one of the biggest weed-friendly cities with a busy airport – said that they wanted to focus on educating the public, and not put them in cuffs and write citations. They aim to explain the law to marijuana possessing travelers and aid them out of screening and try to accommodate them the best they can. He added that possessing and trying to transport a large quantity of marijuana than what’s allowed in California (1 ounce) is what makes them get into a big trouble.

Paraphernalia

Marijuana paraphernalia, such as pipe or bowl, is allowed in security. Specifically, at LAX, there is no issue even if something has a resin – given that it’s not usable. Nonetheless, TSA officials are not trained to differentiate between the types of products and paraphernalia so if they see something suspicious, it will likely be reported.

Substances with THC (responsible for high) such as edibles, oils, or joints are illegal under federal law and not allowed during air travel. But not all cannabis-derived substances contain THC, such as hemp-based products or pure CBD. Under the 2018 Farm Bill signed at the end of December 2018, CBD oil from hemp is considered legal. It means police officials can allow a hemp-based CBD gummy but cannot for cannabis extracted CBD. Though things have changed in May, when the TSA have updated their rules for travelers with medical cannabidiol or CBD. CBD medicinal approved by FDA can be allowed for check in or carry-on as long as it does not contain more than 0.3 percent THC.

“We tell patients to bring their doctor recommendation with them, just in case law enforcement stops them. We also tell them to keep their medical recommendation and their medical I.D card with them, and know their physician’s number and maybe their lawyer’s number – just in case,” said Debbie Churgai, the interim director of Americans for Safe Access.

Bottom Line

Sure you may get on the plane with whatever is in your bag, but you may have to expect a little (or longer) delay. When traveling with marijuana or marijuana-related products, it is vital to know and understand the state and federal laws, especially on the possible repercussions. Looking up for airline’s rules and regulations is also helpful. Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are some of the airlines that have created policies that ban marijuana from their aircraft, even if you have a medical card. 

So, to be clear, can I legally fly with weed from Point A to Point B? The answer is No. Carrying marijuana onto a plane is a federal crime as it is illegal under federal law. Federal law governs airplane travel as the airspace you’ll be traveling through is considered a federal territory. You can check for an updated state laws and regulations about marijuana in legal sites as many laws are ever-changing from time to time. If you are going to a state where marijuana is legal, why not buy or get weed delivery soon as you arrive. As always, it is best to consider safety as the main priority. 

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How Marijuana Helps in Treating Depression?

What is Depression?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression makes the planet’s no. 1 source of disability, affecting 4% of us or 300 million people. That count is possibly understated given the stigma that comes with the illness. It probably comes from people lacking knowledge about the illness or lacking understanding of what it means to struggle with such.

 

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you think, behave, and feel in a normal day-to-day activity that will eventually lead to emotional and physical problems. Symptoms noted for depression include feelings of emptiness, irritability, sleep disturbed, lack of energy, loss of appetite, anxiety, guilt, and suicidal thoughts. It is unknown exactly the causes of depression but many factors can be involved. It can be biological differences, brain chemistry, hormones, or inherited traits. Treatment of depression is unique to each person and the severity of the illness. The cases can either be mild, moderate, and severe.

On Marijuana & Depression

 

As with anxiety disorders and depression, marijuana CBD has become a spring of hope. Though still in its early stages, studies show some potential anti-depressant like effects of the plant compounds – and a connection between low endocannabinoid levels and depression. Research showed that CBD can raise levels of the body’s natural “bliss” molecule anandamide. It is also connected to the higher level of serotonin in the brain which is an enzyme known for its anti-depressant effect. CBD is noted to have positive impacts on mood improvement in the hippocampus and to reduce neuron damage and inflammation in the brain. In clinical trials, informal evidence suggests that it can be effective either in place or in conjunction with traditional antidepressants.

At the University of Buffalo, scientists at the school’s (RIA) Research Institute on Addictions have started looking into medicinal marijuana as a possible treatment for depression. They have focused specifically on brain chemicals called endocannabinoids - naturally produced compounds that play a role in cognition, motor control, emotions, and behavior and a compound similar to that of cannabis. Though the experiment was conducted on animals, scientists have found that chronic stress suppresses the brain’s production of endocannabinoids which then will lead to depression-like behavior. Introducing cannabis’ cannabinoids into the system may restore normal levels and function which helps alleviate the symptoms of depression. To date, the researchers are figuring out how the certain amount of extract could give that mood-boosting effect without leading to drug dependency.

Washington State University published a journal called the Journal of Affective Disorders. The authors cited that THC and CBD (marijuana cannabinoids) have antidepressant-like effects in animal models and reported that “medical cannabis users perceived a 50% reduction in depression and a 58% reduction in anxiety and stress following cannabis use.” They also concluded that cannabis significantly reduced ratings of anxiety and stress especially for women and the low THC/high CBD is best for reducing perceived symptoms of stress. However, they also noted that the usage of cannabis for treating depression may make a problem over time in case of dependency. They wrote in the journal that “the results from the present study be further investigated under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions.” So just like any other researchers would note, more study on different variables involved in treatment is definitely needed.

 

The Bottom Line

 

Although there are pieces of evidence pointing to marijuana and its antidepressant effects, many argue that there are also some important risks that need to be addressed when using the drug for treating the illness. It is not advisable for people with predisposed mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as this may trigger the diseases’ expression.

 

If you’re interested in this potential therapy and live in an area where medicinal marijuana is legal, consider discussing this with your doctor to weigh in on the pros and cons. They can work with you to decide if this is a great option for your treatment. Today, you can find many marijuana delivery service and dispensaries around the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles, or you can simply google “weed delivery near me” and various companies will appear.

So, can medical marijuana help relieve the symptoms of depression? Equal parts of yes, maybe, maybe not, and more research is needed - based on many surveys, experiences, and clinical studies conducted. While many data are promising, they can’t be taken as anything next to proof and cure. After all, depression is tremendously a complex illness, and much more legitimate studies and scientific research are needed to prove or disprove. If you feel any of the symptoms of depression, seek help from a doctor or a mental health professional or reach out to family and friends as soon as possible.

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