Can Cannabis Offer a New Hope to Arthritis Sufferers?

Belfast University launches study into the pain-relieving benefits of cannabis-based medication on Arthritis

  • Belfast’s Ulster University is investigating the possible benefits cannabinoids can offer to sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis
  • The research project will receive £250,000 funding

Irish researchers have launched an extensive new study last year to look into the pain-relieving effects of medical marijuana on various forms of arthritis.

Researchers at the Ulster University (UU) in Belfast are investigating the anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties of cannabis extracts (known as cannabinoids) and the possible benefits they may offer to rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis patients when used in medicines.

UU will work with pharmaceutical start-up GreenLight Medicines on the £250,000 project examine the effects of cannabinoids on the symptoms of people suffering from various forms of arthritis.

Founded in 2015 by Dr. James Linden in 2015, the research and development company (GreenLight) primarily focuses on uncovering the full potential of cannabis-based extracts, as a medicine to treat a multitude of diseases including epilepsy, arthritis, MS, and even cancer.

“I saw results very quickly. Within a matter of a couple of days I was able to stop the prednisone and ibuprofen.” – Katie Marsh

Explaining GreenLight’s studies with UU, Dr. Linden said: “We are studying several components of the cannabis plant which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties.

“Specifically, we’re investigating the use of cannabis-based extracts that have been proven to reduce inflammation, and we wish to explore the full therapeutic potential of these molecules in relation to several inflammatory diseases.

“Ulster University is renowned for its reputation in biomedical sciences research and it has been incredibly supportive during our early development stage, with the researchers having an endless thirst to lead the way in many areas of research across a spectrum of diseases.”

Anecdotal evidence of medical marijuana successfully treating symptoms of arthritis has been reported from across the world. This clinical trial is now hoping to put some concrete evidence behind these claims and make some progress in our knowledge on how to best treat this debilitating disease.

Case studies such as that of American Katie Marsh have served as powerful testimonials to cannabis’ potential to offer relief to those suffering from various forms of the disease.

Speaking to Fox News, Katie explained that when her cannabis-infused juice was far more effective than her pharmaceutical medications:

“I white-knuckled it through the pain and only took painkillers when I absolutely needed them.

“It got so bad that I had trouble getting out of bed, getting off and on the toilet and even dressing.”

The difference that the medical herb made was amazing: “I saw results very quickly. Within a matter of a couple of days, I was able to stop the prednisone and ibuprofen.”

Arthritis is an uncomfortable and often unavoidable disease that often results in severe symptoms including:

  • Persistent joint pain
  • Locked joints
  • Morning stiffness
  • Injuries that don’t heal properly
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathies (tingling or numbness in extremities)
  • & Plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the forefoot)

10 million people suffer from arthritis in the U.K. 10 million people could benefit from further research and easier access to cannabinoids. 10 million people are being unjustly prevented from having a choice in their medication.

Do you think that those suffering from arthritis should have the right to choose access to cannabinoids?

Do you use medical marijuana to treat symptoms of arthritis? Let us know in the comments!

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