Reviewing the evidence around using medicinal cannabis for arthritis

Researchers at the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand have performed a literature review to examine whether cannabis-based products might be helpful in the management of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Their findings suggest there is some molecular evidence of an association between the human endocannabinoid system and arthritis, and that mouse models of arthritis may be influenced by the direct administration of trial products into the joint or the spine. However, only two human trials have been conducted, one of which was terminated early, as the product performed no better than an anti-inflammatory treatment. The other trial lasted only five weeks, but showed some reduction in pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The authors conclude there's little evidence to support GPs prescribing cannabis-based products for arthritis management at this time.