There are over a hundred chemical compounds that are derived from the hemp plant. The cannabis sativa chemical extracts are collectively known as cannabinoids. CBD and THC are just two popular examples of the cannabis-derived products. While THC is psychoactive (mind-altering), CBD is not — this explains why CBD is most often employed in treating pain and other conditions.
Rheumatism is a painful disorder of the joints, muscles, and tendons. When left untreated, it brings extreme discomfort and eventually results in disability. In recent times, a growing number of patients have been resorting to cannabinoids to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Here is a discussion of that treatment option.
Effects of Cannabinoids on Rheumatism
With respect to the peripheral nervous system, a cannabinoid research study observed that cannabinoids are good at treating inflammation. They do this by way of activating CB2 (type 2 cannabinoid receptors). On the contrary, when CB1 is activated in the immune system, it has proinflammatory effects. The antagonistic CB1 mechanism counteracts inflammation by increasing the β2-adrenergic signals present in joints.
Additionally, CBD has been shown in research to have anti- arthritic effects, irrespective of the cannabinoid receptor type. Cannabinoids also tackle and lessen pain by the activation of type one and two cannabinoid receptors.
In essence, the above mechanisms suggest that cannabinoids might be effective in managing rheumatism/rheumatoid arthritis, provided the appropriate receptors are targeted.
Clinical Trial Results
The legalization of medically-beneficial cannabis has opened the gates to research and trials of the pain-killing and anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabinoids. Across the world, legalization issues on the subject have previously impeded thorough research and experimentation on cannabinoids. A clinical review of phytocannabinoid treatment of rheumatological conditions recorded analgesic effects in two out of four cases. But the following side effects were also observed: nausea, drowsiness, mental problems, etc. It’s worth noting that the above side effects were observed in phytocannabinoid (plant-derived cannabinoid) and not herbal cannabis. Statistically, herbal cannabis (CBD) remains the most commonly available substance for users who are trying their hands on medical cannabis. In case you are wondering where to get CBD, Berkshirecbd has some CBD products for sale.
Surveys
According to the responses to a 2017 survey from Canadian rheumatologists, four out of five specialists reported that in each week, at least one patient seeks information on how to use medical cannabis. 75% of the respondents felt that they were knowledgeable enough to offer cannabinoid advice to patients. Despite the widespread public interest in using medical cannabinoids to treat rheumatologic disorders; some experts gave important advice on the subject: according to them, clinical evidence on the health benefits of pharmaceutical cannabinoids is insufficient, and there are reports of a high possibility of dangerous consequences.
Conclusion
So far, the bottom line is that cannabinoids show high promise of being incorporated into rheumatologic treatment methods, but full-scale medical knowledge in the field is still missing. Cannabinoids may be useful in managing rheumatism and chronic pain, but users are cautioned to be aware of the suspected side effects. In summary, cannabinoids have been with us for several decades, but medically, we are still progressing in our attempts to reap the benefits to rheumatic conditions of medicinal marijuana.
