No Substitute for Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication
It is important to note that among RA experts, there’s a consensus for early, aggressive, and conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). People diagnosed with RA should never use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in place of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which have been proven effective in altering the course of the disease. No other treatment can stop the inflammation, prevent the joint damage, and reduce the risk of long-term complications that are associated with RA the way DMARDs can.
Possible Mechanisms of Marijuana
Advocates say the drug is an effective remedy for chronic joint pain, citing theories on how the herb might be helpful. “Medical marijuana has two ways it helps with rheumatoid arthritis,” says Matthew Roman, MD, president of Nature’s Way Medicine, an alternative medicine practice in Wilmington, Delaware. People who use cannabis may perceive an anti-inflammatory-like effect, “similar to ibuprofen or an ice pack,” he says. In addition, marijuana may influence immune cells. Research is ongoing.
Cannabis and Chronic Pain
“I have seen more than 7,000 medical marijuana patients, and well over 90 percent of them suffer from chronic pain,” says Dr. Ivker. “THCA [Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid] is another cannabinoid that is not psychoactive, and that’s the one we use most for rheumatoid arthritis.” It can be extracted into a tincture, and it is also available in transdermal patches that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. There are also topical creams and balms that contain CBD that you can rub right into the joints.
Marijuana Dispensary Access, Your State, and Your Doctor
If you live in a state that has legalized medical marijuana and you’re interested in trying it, Dr. Ivker says to ask your doctor to write you a recommendation, which will be authorized by the state. Once that’s registered, you will receive a document that you can take to a medical dispensary to purchase treatments. “But you first have to go through a physician, and there are many who are still reluctant to provide the recommendations,” he says. Dr. Roman agrees, and advises patients to be bold with their physicians when they discuss this treatment option. “Ask them what their position is on the topic, and tell them that you are interested in trying it.” After all, it is important to discuss any supplement or remedy that you are considering with your doctor before you use it, so she can consider, among other things, potential interactions with the medications you are already taking. In other words, you can’t avoid this conversation if you want to experiment with pain treatments in a responsible way. If your own doctors won’t write a recommendation, consider using a site like marijuanadoctors.com, which provides a list of cannabis-friendly MDs in your area.
