Is there evidence that cannabis (marijuana) is effective in treating arthritis?

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Last updated: May 16, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Marijuana may help with arthritis symptoms, particularly pain and inflammation, due to the anti-inflammatory properties of its main active compounds, THC and CBD. The current evidence suggests that cannabis products have potential use in the treatment of chronic pain, which is a common symptom of arthritis 1. While the evidence is still limited and preliminary, CBD in particular has shown promise in reducing inflammation without psychoactive effects. For arthritis pain, patients typically use CBD oil (10-50mg daily), topical CBD creams applied directly to painful joints, or low-dose THC products (2.5-5mg). However, it's essential to note that the American College of Rheumatology guideline for the management of osteoarthritis does not include marijuana as a recommended treatment option 1. Some key points to consider when using marijuana for arthritis symptoms include:

  • Medical marijuana is available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, edibles, topicals, and smokable flower
  • Side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, impaired coordination, and potential cognitive effects with THC products
  • Marijuana may interact with certain medications, so consulting with a healthcare provider before starting any cannabis treatment is essential, especially since regulations vary by location and many arthritis medications might interact with cannabis compounds 1. It's crucial to weigh the potential benefits and risks of using marijuana for arthritis symptoms and to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment. The lack of strong evidence supporting the use of marijuana for arthritis treatment means that other established treatments, such as exercise, weight loss, and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, should be considered first 1.

From the Research

Marijuana and Arthritis

  • There is evidence to suggest that marijuana, specifically cannabinoids, may be useful in the treatment of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) 2, 3, 4.
  • Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects by activating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2) and decreasing cytokine production and immune cell mobilization 2.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, has demonstrated antiarthritic effects independent of cannabinoid receptors and may be a suitable treatment for RA and OA 2, 3, 4.
  • A study found that CBD use was associated with improvements in pain, physical function, and sleep quality in patients with arthritis, with a 44% reduction in pain reported by the overall cohort 4.

Mechanisms of Action

  • The mechanisms of action of cannabinoids in the treatment of arthritis are complex and involve the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as non-cannabinoid receptor targets 2, 3.
  • CBD has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in preclinical models of arthritis, and may have to be delivered in higher dosages or formulated with other medicinal plants to achieve clinically meaningful efficacy 3.
  • The use of CBD in combination with standardized bioflavonoid compositions may enhance its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity 3.

Clinical Evidence

  • Clinical studies have found associations between CBD use and improvements in patient's arthritis symptoms, including reductions in pain, physical function, and sleep quality 4.
  • A study found that the majority of respondents reported a reduction or cessation of other medications, including anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and opioids, after CBD use 4.
  • However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of using CBD to treat arthritis, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic option for patients with OA and RA 4, 5.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

5
Research

Clinicians' Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils.

Mayo Clinic proceedings, 2019

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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