Rheumatoid arthritis is something that many people with chronic autoimmune problems suffer from. This happens when the immune system attacks the body’s normal tissue, and this causes swollen, inflamed, and painful joints.

To treat rheumatoid arthritis, patients are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-rheumatic drugs, and steroids. In some cases, surgery and physical therapy are also part of the treatment plan.

The good news is that researchers have discovered another potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that could help manage its symptoms. Studies have shown that certain strains of medical cannabis have compounds that may be helpful in alleviating the pain and other discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

These are the strains of cannabis contain helpful medical compounds are:

  • Cannatonic
  • Harlequin
  • Jack Herer
  • White Berry
  • White Widow

How Can Medical Cannabis Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is generally classified as an inflammatory order. To treat it ailments, doctors often use anti-inflammatory drugs. Since cannabis contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties, it has been effective as an alternative treatment for several autoimmune diseases.

There are two essential cannabinoids found in cannabis: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC provides an anti-inflammatory effect that is 20 times more efficient than aspirin and two times more effective than hydrocortisone. Comparatively, CBD’s anti-inflammatory power is hundreds of times more potent than aspirin.

green marijuana leaves

CBD reduces the production and release of inflammatory molecules. It also modulates the immune system, generally providing an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. What’s more, CBD isn’t as intoxicating as THC, it doesn’t make the patients feel high.

Effective Ways of Consuming Medical Cannabis to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

The best ways to use medical cannabis to help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are smoking or vaping, consuming tinctures or edibles, using oromucosal extracts, or applying a topical gel.

That said, the best method of consumption will depend on a patient’s individual situation, taking into consideration several factors such as level of pain, personal preference, and how quickly the patient needs relief.

Smoking or Vaping

Studies have shown that for the immediate relief of pain associated with arthritis, the patient is advised to smoke or vaporize medical cannabis. This method is the most commonly used for quick results.

Using Topical Products

Patients may use topical medical cannabis products and rub them on the swollen joints to alleviate the pain. The topical application of CBD can reduce joint swelling. Topical products are also a good option for those who have sensitive stomachs because they won’t cause gastrointestinal side effects. That said, it won’t provide longer relief than smoking.

close up of hands rubbing cream in

Consume Edibles

If the patient is not in too much pain, consuming edible medical cannabis is also a good alternative. However, edible cannabis is also slow-acting, just like topical cannabis. But since it can provide a longer-lasting effect, it’s recommended for people who suffer from chronic arthritis pain.

Using Oromucosal Extracts

Oromucosal extracts of medical cannabis also significantly decrease inflammation in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Best Cannabis Strains to Relieve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

As mentioned, there are the medical cannabis cultivars (strains) that contain the most effective compounds in relieving pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Cannatonic

Cannatonic is a well-known cannabis strain commonly used for medical purposes. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

It has high CBD and low THC content, which means that it only gives a minor side effect of feeling high, and it only lasts a short period of time. It’s worth noting, however, that a feeling of intoxication can last longer when you use more than what is recommended.

2. Harlequin

Harlequin is a sativa-dominant strain that has a THC content of 10%, CBD content of 12%, and myrcene terpenes. It’s also an effective medical cannabis strain for managing inflammation-related chronic pain, including symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

a single marijuana leaf and a rolled joint of medical cannabis

With a low THC level, Harlequin does not make patients feel intoxicated. However, it may have mellow and mild psychoactive effects and therefore might not proscribe to certain patients.

3. Jack Herer

Jack Herer is a hybrid strain between Cannabis indica and the cannabis plants Cannabis sativa, containing around 18% to 23% of THC. This cannabis strain is a good choice if a patient needs a quick remedy for pain. Moreover, it also contains terpenes with painkilling and anti-inflammatory agents, including beta-caryophyllene and myrcene.

4. White Berry

White Berry is a hybrid of cannabis indica and cannabis Sativa strain, similar to Jack Herer. It is made from the White Widow and Blueberry strains, and it is known to help decrease chronic pain in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It also contains terpenes such as pinene and myrcene, making it one of the most effective strains for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

5. White Widow

White Widow is one of the most popular Indica-dominant hybrid strains that contain a balanced ratio of CBD to THC. Because of this balance, these cannabinoids have the ability to synergize, producing the best effect to manage chronic pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Moreover, since it has generous terpenes contents like pinene, the white widow is an excellent strain that produces fast and efficient relief.

Bottom Line

Studies have shown that the use of CBD and THC compounds found in several strains of cannabis plants can provide greater anti-inflammatory properties compared to aspirin and hydrocortisone. This means that medical cannabis can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis more efficiently.

If you need help obtaining your medical cannabis card, contact the team at Malie Cannabis Clinic today!