Arthritis Patients Who Used Cannabinoids Reported Less Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue | Research

The takeaway

Among 290 arthritis patients surveyed, about 15% used cannabinoids, reporting significant short-term pain reduction with minimal side effects, though the study could not rule out placebo effects.

Rheumatology patients considering cannabinoids, rheumatologists, and medical cannabis researchers.

Significant pain reduction reported (mean decrease of 2.267 points) with minimal side effects

What the researchers found

About 16.95% of RA and 11.63% of PsA patients reported cannabinoid use, primarily inhaled for RA and topical/liquid for PsA. Post-cannabis use, pain scores decreased significantly (mean difference 2.267, p<0.001), with improvements in stiffness, fatigue, and swelling. Side effects were minimal, and 80-86% of patients were willing to discuss cannabinoid treatment with their physician.

Why it matters

This is one of few studies documenting real-world cannabinoid use patterns and patient-reported outcomes specifically in inflammatory arthritis. The willingness of over 80% of patients to discuss cannabis with their doctor signals a need for evidence-based guidance.

The numbers in context

290 patients (247 RA, 44 PsA); 82.3% female; mean age ~57; ~15% cannabinoid use; pain reduction mean difference 2.267 (p<0.001); 80-86% willing to discuss with physician; minimal side effects

How the study worked

Cross-sectional survey of 290 patients with RA or PsA visiting a rheumatology outpatient clinic (October 2019 to March 2020), using a voluntary Qualtrics survey on cannabinoid use, forms, sources, side effects, and perceived efficacy.

What this study cannot tell us

Survey design with self-reported outcomes. No control group. Cannot rule out placebo effect. Pre-pandemic recruitment (2019-2020). Small number of cannabinoid users. Selection bias (voluntary survey).

How to read the evidence

Cross-sectional survey with self-reported outcomes and no control group. Cannot establish efficacy beyond patient perception.

When this study was published

Published in 2024 with 2019-2020 data.

The bigger picture

With conventional arthritis treatments often incompletely controlling pain, many patients turn to cannabis. This study captures that reality and the gap between patient interest and clinical evidence.

Questions still open

Would controlled trials confirm the patient-reported pain reductions?
Which cannabinoid formulations work best for different arthritis types?

Common questions

Does cannabis help arthritis pain?

Patients in this survey reported significant pain reduction, but the study had no control group and cannot rule out placebo effects. Controlled trials are needed.

Are arthritis patients open to discussing cannabis with their doctors?

Yes. Over 80% of patients in this study were willing to discuss cannabinoid treatment with their physician.

Read the original research

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue Reduction in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis With Cannabinoid Use.

Cureus, 16(10), e72366

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Purohit, Richa; Mathai, Reanne; Camargo Macias, Kathlyn; Chalise, Sweta; Jehu, Tara; Bhaskar, Neha; Bhanusali, Neha. (2024). Patient-Reported Outcomes of Pain, Stiffness, and Fatigue Reduction in Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis With Cannabinoid Use.. Cureus, 16(10), e72366. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72366