Best Medicinal Cannabis Strains to Reduce Arthritis Inflammation

The root of many of the debilitating symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is inflammation. This autoimmune disease develops because the immune system goes haywire. Instead of aiding the body against disease and infection, it begins attacking healthy cells.

Inflammation is a normal process associated with the immune system. However, in patients with RA, inflammation can lead to debilitating complications and extreme pain.

Medical marijuana has many compounds with medicinal benefits. These compounds, known as cannabinoids, even have anti-inflammatory properties, making cannabis a great option for RA patients looking to decrease inflammation and pain.

There are many strains on the market, but they all fall under three general categories: sativa, indica and hybrid strains. There are also strains with higher concentrations of CBD or equal levels of THC and CBD.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Inflammation?

Inflammation is an essential response to injury or foreign bodies. The immune system uses inflammation to fight infection and initiate the healing process. Unfortunately, when a patient has an autoimmune disease, inflammation works against them.

When the immune system is out of whack, it treats normal, healthy tissue as if it’s a problem. This causes it to attack, damage and potentially kill healthy cells. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, joints are the target. As the immune system attacks these joints, they become swollen and inflamed, which leads to:

Pain
Joint destruction
Deformity
Loss of function

How Medical Marijuana Treats Inflammation

Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, medical marijuana is an incredible option. It’s well-known for treating all types of pain, including pain caused by inflammation. Best of all, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cannabinoids in marijuana, specifically CBD and THC, work with our body’s endocannabinoid system to benefit it in surprising ways. These compounds stop inflammation on multiple fronts:

They decrease the production and release of proteins that cause inflammation.
They reduce the activation of the inflammatory process.
CBD reduces a primary pathway for pro-inflammatory genes.
CBD produces increased concentrations of an anti-inflammatory endocannabinoid.

The Best Strains to Reduce Inflammation

There are hundreds of strains available in states across the U.S., but here are a few with known anti-inflammatory properties:

Canna-Tsu: This hybrid has high concentrations of CBD and a relatively low THC content, making it a great day-time medication to help patients retain a clear head with less psychoactive side effects. The high CBD also makes it especially effective for fighting inflammation, while still having the added benefit of a small amount of THC.
Blue Dream: This sativa-dominant hybrid gives patients full-body relief and relaxation, and the effects are mild and slow-acting. This strain is high in THC, giving it a more sedative quality for those who need pain relief coupled with their inflammation meds.
Granddaddy Purple: Because of its highly sedative quality, this indica strain is recommended for nighttime use only. If patients have been struggling with sleep due to painful inflammation, this is the right strain for them.
Cannatonic: This unique hybrid is another strain that won’t keep you “couch-locked.” Also high in CBD and low in THC, the user will initially feel a mild buzz felt, but it will shortly wear off. Cannatonic is highly recommended for inflammation and pain.

Professionals Who Can Help

Our advice is here to offer some guidance, but it shouldn’t replace that of qualified professionals. We suggest meeting with a marijuana doctor in your state or contacting a local dispensary for more help picking a strain. They can speak to you about your individual needs and recommend options based on your specific symptoms. Plus, each dispensary is different and may have different strains available. Start your search today!