Marijuana And Arthritis

[User]

Rheumatology reported in a January 2006 article "Preliminary Assessment of The Efficacy, Tolerability and Safety of A Cannabis-based Medicine (Sativex) in The Treatment of Pain Caused By Rheumatoid Arthritis," (Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 50-52) by D.R. Blake et al.:

"In comparison with placebo, the CBM [cannabis-based medicine] produced statistically significant improvements in pain on movement, pain at rest, quality of sleep....

In the first ever controlled trial of a CBM in RA [rheumatoid arthritis], a significant analgesic effect was observed and disease activity was significantly suppressed following Sativex treatment."
(January 2006) Rheumatology


The Journal of Neuroimmunology states in their September 2005 article "Cannabinoids and the Immune System: Potential For The Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases?" by J. Ludovic and Takashi Yamamura (Vol. 166, Issues 1-2, pp. 3-18):

"Studies from chronic cannabis smokers have provided much of the evidence for immunomodulatory [modifying or regulating the immune system] effects of cannabis in humans...

Cannabinoids can modulate both the function and secretion of cytokines [regulatory proteins] from immune cells.

Therefore, cannabinoids may be considered for treatment of inflammatory disease."
(September 2005) Journal of Neuroimmunology


Ethan Russo, M.D., states in the 2005 brochure "Arthritis and Medical Marijuana" by Americans for Safe Access:

"Patients have long told us that cannabis has been helpful to them in the treatment of their arthritic conditions.

Science has now demonstrated that the THC component of cannabis is a very effective analgesic (pain killer), and that the CBD (cannabidiol) component has unique immunomodulatory benefits as an antagonist of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, supporting benefits in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis."
(2005) Ethan Russo

Tod Mikuriya, M.D., states in 2002 article, "Medicinal Uses of Cannabis" published on his website:

"Clinical interviews of over 6500 members at cannabis buyers clubs and patients in my office practice lead to this generalization: Many illnesses or conditions present with both inflammation and muscle spasm. Cannabis is both an antispasmodic and anti inflammatory....

Chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis and lumbosacral disease responds well to cannabis compared with other analgesics.
(2002) Tod Mikuriya

J. Michael Walker, Ph.D., states in the December 2000 Arthritis Today:

"The spinal cord is loaded with cannabinoid receptors. These cannabinoid compounds [from marijuana] apparently reduce swelling from inflammation [a major symptom of arthritis]. But more than that, they kill the pain from inflammation specifically. They work on the peripheral nerves that carry pain from your joint into the spinal cord."
(December 2000) J. Michael Walker

Americans for Safe Access states in their 2005 brochure "Arthritis and Medical Marijuana":

"Cannabis has a demonstrated ability to improve mobility and reduce morning stiffness and inflammation.

Research has also shown that patients are able to reduce their usage of potentially harmful Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when using cannabis as an adjunct therapy."
(2005) Americans for Safe Access