Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease of the joints characterized by pain, stiffness and swelling. This progressively degenerative disease may lead to a loss of limb function. Rheumatoid arthritis is estimated to affect about one percent of the population, primarily women. Associated with RA is a feeling of deep, intense and constant pain. With many patients, stronger drugs, such as opiates for pain and corticosteroids for inflammation are prescribed. Many of these drugs have dangerous side effects when taken regularly.

Cannabis has been used for this disease since the early nineteenth century when it was said to be as effective as opium for severe pain.

The analgesic qualities of medical marijuana helps relieve the pain associated with the disease. In addition, medical marijuana helps patients to relax and relieve the stress associated from the pain. Many patients have found that consumption of medical marijuana has a profound and long lasting affect on their disorder.