By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Carles Doménech


Although evidence-based medicine lacks a definitive cure for arthritis, several treatments help to slow down the disease's progression. Early treatment such as lifestyle interventions are particularly effective, but often not enough. So, where does cannabis fit into the treatment of the condition? We're going to take a closer look at arthritis, the different types, and how cannabinoids such as THC and CBD may help.

What Is Arthritis?

In a wide sense, arthritis—or technically, arthropathies—depicts a range of inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions that involve the function and tenderness of one or more joints. Although primarily associated with the ageing process, even young people can experience some of these conditions. Check out these key facts[1] about arthritis to learn more about these diseases:

  • It affects a lot of people: A staggering 54.4 million people in the United States have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and it's estimated that over 40 million[2] people in Europe have osteoarthritis
  • It affects women more than men: Arthritis occurs in women slightly more than in men, although experts aren't entirely sure why.
  • Lack of physical activity may contribute to the condition: Some kinds of arthritis affect those that report no physical activity more than those that meet physical activity recommendations.

Arthritis has a massive impact on both the individual and society as a whole. So, it will come as no surprise that scientists are keen to find new ways to treat the condition, improve quality of life, and reduce the number of people affected. However, the difficulty in treatment stems from the various types of arthritis and symptoms.

Types of arthritis

Some of the most prevalent forms of the disease include:

Osteoarthritis (or arthrosis) Osteoarthritis (or arthrosis): Non-inflammatory—i.e. degenerative—gradual wearing down of joint cartilage and bone deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) An inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints and, eventually, other body parts.
Gout Intense pain and swelling caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals in joints
Lupus An autoimmune condition induced by unknown causes, which affects joints, skin, kidneys, and many other organs.
Psoriatic arthritis A form of arthritis that affects people with the skin condition psoriasis
Carpal tunnel syndrome induced by arthritis Arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome are two different conditions. However, rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis may increase the risk of an individual developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Basically, there are two forms of arthritis: degenerative and inflammatory. Degenerative arthritis involves the breakdown of connective and cushioning tissues in the joints, eventually leading to the erosion and remodelling of bones.

Inflammatory arthritis doesn't originate from wear and tear. Instead, it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to potential joint erosion. With these two forms in mind, let's take a closer look at a common diagnosis for each.

  • Arthrosis or Osteoarthritis

As a form of degenerative arthropathy, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage—a firm and slippery form of connective tissue found between joints—starts to become damaged.. As cartilage continues to degrade, the bone surface becomes exposed and friction increases. Eventually, the condition leads to bone erosion and deformation, inflammation within joints, and even ligament damage.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

Chronic Pain Stiffness
Disability Reduces flexibility
Grating sensation Swelling (synovitis)
Bone spurs
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis autumns into the inflammatory category. As an autoimmune disease, the condition stems from a malfunction in the immune system that causes it to start attacking healthy cells in the body. Unlike the mechanical wear and tear of osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis, immune cells attack the lining of the joints, which leads to bone erosion and severe joint deformity. In some people, the assault from the immune system extends beyond the joints and could affect the skin, eyes, lungs, and even the heart.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

Tender and swollen joints Joint stiffness
Fatigue Fever
Loss of appetite
  • Arthritis induced ccarpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve. This sensory and motor nerve starts from the upper spine and runs down the front of the inner arm and forearm, ending at the palm side of the thumb and fingers (with the exception of the little finger). Before entering the hand, this nerve passes through the carpal tunnel—a small passageway surrounded by bones and connective tissue. Although not a form of arthritis, inflammation or bone deformities or overgrowth caused by arthritis arthropathies can cause narrowing of the carpal tunnel and put pressure on the median nerve. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Pain Numbness
Tingling Reduced grip strength

Are arthritis and rheumatism the same?

Not quite. Arthritis is the generic Greek name for an arthropathy, meaning "inflammation of the joints". This specifically refers to chronic or acute inflammation alongside structural damage and pain exclusive to joints. In contrast, rheumatism is an old-fashioned term describing any disease in the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other fibrous tissues.

Are arthritis and rheumatism the same?

Can Cannabis Help With Arthritis?

Clearly, the development of new treatments may help to relieve the suffering of millions of people. So, how could cannabis stand as a treatment for the condition? Well, ongoing research (see below) shows that cannabis might play a role against these diseases by impacting one of the most important systems in the human body.

  • A primer on the endocannabinoid system

To understand how cannabis is related with arthritis symptoms, we need to touch briefly on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This intercellular network helps to regulate several processes in the human body, from appetite and mood to bone remodelling and neurotransmitter receptor modulation. The components of this system exist in the vast majority of tissues, including the nervous system, reproductive system, skeleton, digestive tract, and connective tissue.

But what does it do there? Well, the ECS helps the body maintain biological balance or homeostasis. It prevents things from either underworking or overworking, enabling other systems to carry out their functions optimally. The “classical” concept of the ECS consists of two main receptors—cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). It also includes signalling molecules known as endocannabinoids and five related enzymes.

Progression in ECS research has also uncovered many other components of this system, including several different receptor types such as TRPV1, PPAR, and other GPR receptors, as well as a host of other signalling molecules. Together, these components are believed to belong to the “expanded” concept of the ECS, better known as the endocannabinoidome[3].

Ongoing studies are exploring how the ECS plays a role in the cause and development of arthritis. For example, researchers from the University of Edinburgh suggest a strong link between osteoarthritis and ECS components found in the synovial tissue and fluid surrounding joints.

While studying mice, the team found up to 40% more cartilage degeneration in mice deficient in the CB2 receptor. Interestingly, when they administered a synthetic cannabinoid, they found it significantly inhibits the progression of the disease in young mice with normal levels of CB2. The mice deficient in the receptor showed no changes.

These findings align with the idea of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD), a theory proposed by cannabis researcher Dr Ethan Russo. CECD suggests that a lack of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, or enzymes could impact the ECS. Because this system plays such a fundamental role in the body, a lack of components could lead to several diseases and health conditions.

THC vs CBD for Arthritis

The cannabis plant produces over 100 cannabinoids, and just like the body's endocannabinoids, these molecules can interact with the ECS receptors. This means that cannabis phytochemicals can directly impact one of the most important regulatory systems in the human body—but what does this mean for those living with arthritis? Well, studies have recently explored the role of the ECS as a therapeutic target in these conditions.

THC and CBD are the two most prevalent cannabinoids in most modern cannabis cultivars. Both of these molecules impact the ECS in different ways. THC binds directly to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It produces psychoactive effects mainly by activating CB1 receptors in the central nervous system, which leads to a higher neurotransmitter release.

In contrast, CBD has a low affinity for both of these sites. Instead, it manages to increase endocannabinoid levels by interacting with key enzymes.CBD also binds to the ECS receptor TRPV1—a site involved in pain processing. Continue reading to discover what the research says about the potential impact of both cannabinoids on arthritis.

THC vs CBD for Arthritis
  • THC and arthritis

At the moment, no human trials have explored the role of THC in arthritis patients. However, resulting data extracted from studies for other conditions may provide some hope for arthritis treatment. Currently, researchers are in parallel exploring the effects of high-THC cannabis[4] on neuropathic pain, sleep quality, and inflammatory pain.

THC might also positively affect some of the psychological problems that some arthritis patients encounter. Many people with the condition experience mood disorders due to pain and reduced mobility. THC causes an acute rise in dopamine levels[5]—a neurotransmitter that profoundly impacts mood—which could result in benefits for some arthritis-affected individuals.

  • CBD and arthritis

Again, a lack of clinical trials means the potential benefits of CBD against arthritis are unproven. However, animal studies offer a clue as to how the cannabinoid might work in humans. Researchers are currently exploring how CBD is related to pain and inflammation in animals[6].

CBD has a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 but produces much of its activity by disrupting ECS enzymes. The enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is responsible for breaking down a host of endocannabinoids. Researchers are currently exploring how FAAH inhibition could increase levels of endocannabinoids[7], which ultimately reduce pain and inflammation.

Oils, Sprays, or Topicals for Arthritis?

As researchers uncover how cannabinoids might influence arthritis, they are also exploring how best to apply these phytochemicals for such a purpose.

Many arthritis patients looking into cannabis often ask questions such as "how to use CBD oil for arthritis?" and "should I used CBD cream for arthritis pain?". Although we can't answer these questions yet, future studies will hopefully shed light on the best ways to use weed for arthritis.

In the meantime, people considering cannabis use could apply oils both orally and sublingually. The oral route sends cannabinoids such as THC and CBD through the digestive tube and liver, converting them into different metabolites before moving through the entire body. In contrast, the sublingual route (placing oil under the tongue) introduces cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream for rapid effects.

Sprays and topicals applied directly to affected joints might offer local relief. Sprays applied to the skin won't achieve great absorption, as externally applied cannabinoids largely target cells in the skin. However, transdermal patches could offer a form of topical cannabis with better absorption into the blood supply around the joint.

Oils, Sprays, or Topicals for Arthritis?

Is Cannabis Safe for Arthritis?

The side effects of THC in human trials usually include impaired cognitive function[8], while common CBD side effects often manifest as dry mouth, diarrhoea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue.

In general, cannabis has a safety profile with a low number of side effects. However, THC can cause psychological distress in some people. This is especially relevant to those predisposed to mental health conditions. When it comes to CBD, the World Health Organisation reports that the cannabinoid is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile[9].

Reframing Cannabis: A New Perspective on an Ancient Herb

According to the Centres for Disease Control, just under half of adults aged 65 or older have some kind of doctor-diagnosed arthritis. However, more than half of US adults with the condition are of working age[10] (18–64). Overall, the average age of medical cannabis users in the country hovers around 45[11]. These findings suggest that senior citizens, who experience more severe arthritis by injury accumulation, are less prone to try medical cannabis to alleviate their symptoms.

This could be partially explained by the social stigma that still exists around cannabis.. Although younger generations see the plant through a different lens, older generations feel the residual propaganda spanning back to Nixon’s war on drugs and the Reefer Madness era more strongly. However, advances in science and policy are also changing opinions within older age groups. In 2007, only 0.4% of adults aged 65 and older used cannabis. This number shot up to 2.9% during 2015[12].

Ongoing studies are examining compounds found in cannabis, including cannabinoids—and eventually terpenes and flavonoids—for their effects on conditions involving pain, inflammation, joint deterioration, and other symptoms affecting the quality of life of senior citizens.

The idea of smoking cannabis puts a lot of older patients off from trying the herb. However, alternatives to smoke may attract them to the idea. Accurately dosed edible products and expertly formulated oils and extracts, or even high-tech vaporizers, could offer the potential benefits of cannabis without any combustion.

Guidelines for responsible cannabis use are also in development, in hopes of distancing cannabis from the “irresponsible, lazy stoner” stereotype. Currently, the Principles of Responsible Cannabis Use, published by the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), help to paint a different picture of cannabis-using citizens. The principles include:

  • Adults only
  • Don’t smoke and drive
  • Be mindful of others
  • Resist abuse
  • Respect the rights of others
THC vs CBD for Arthritis

Cannabis for Arthritis: A Promising Future?

Unfortunately, arthritis patients have a long way to go before they see any real conclusive evidence. High-quality human trials are required to determine the effects of the herb on the symptoms of the condition. However, the involvement of the ECS in the condition points towards cannabis as a promising agent. Hopefully, studies will discover which cannabinoids work the best for arthritis and which route of administration offers superior relief.

External Resources:
  1. Arthritis-Related Statistics | Data and Statistics | Arthritis | CDC https://www.cdc.gov
  2. Osteoarthritis in Europe: impact on health status, work productivity and use of pharmacotherapies in five European countries | Rheumatology | Oxford Academic https://academic.oup.com
  3. (PDF) Endocannabinoidome https://www.researchgate.net
  4. Cannabis and joints: scientific evidence for the alleviation of osteoarthritis pain by cannabinoids - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know https://www.arthritis.org
  7. Cannabinoid-based drugs targeting CB1 and TRPV1, the sympathetic nervous system, and arthritis | Arthritis Research & Therapy | Full Text https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com
  8. Cannabis and joints: scientific evidence for the alleviation of osteoarthritis pain by cannabinoids - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  9. World Health Organization Reports CBD Oil Is Generally Safe https://www.rtor.org
  10. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/arthritis.htm?CDCAArefVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fchronicdisease%2Fresources%2Fpublications%2Faag%2Farthritis.htm
  11. https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-020-00038-w
  12. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-why-is-there-social-stigma-surrounding-medical-cannabis-n1365
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: