Medical researchers exploring potential benefits of cannabis in managing symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
In the realm of managing chronic pain and inflammation, cannabis has been a topic of interest. However, when it comes to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis, the research is limited.
People with AS often report that cannabis eases their chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. Yet, scientific research has not proven these claims. The short-term effects of cannabis use include confusion, feeling "high" or intoxicated, feeling very sleepy, impaired judgment, rapid heart rate, and a potential increase in mental health symptoms, including psychosis.
Cannabis comes in various forms, including CBD, which is available in lotions, shampoos, and edibles. However, the effectiveness of CBD for AS is not yet proven by scientific research. Vaping cannabis is relatively new, and the long-term effects are not well-understood.
THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, is the part that makes a person feel high. There is currently no published research on whether CBD or THC is better for AS. It is not possible to reliably compare the risks and benefits of CBD vs. THC for AS without scientific data. Anecdotally, users of both products report relief, though THC users also report feeling high and sometimes mentally impaired.
It's important to note that while some people may find relief from their symptoms with cannabis, the long-term risks of cannabis use are not well-understood. Smoking cannabis may increase the risk of certain cancers, including lung cancer. Edible cannabis products can take longer to produce effects and may last longer, making it more difficult to control. They can also potentially cause poisoning.
In a 2021 study, 15.3% of people with rheumatic diseases, including AS, were using cannabis. However, at the time of writing, a study testing CBD for AS, published in 2019, has not yet made its results available.
The Canadian Rheumatology Association published a position statement in 2019 stating that there are no clinical trials of cannabis in people with rheumatological disorders and that there is inadequate scientific evidence supporting any benefit of using cannabis.
If a person wants to try cannabis for AS, they should proceed with caution. It's advisable to seek medical advice, avoid mixing drugs, choose a safer method, choose the right setting, titrate their dosage, try different timings, store cannabis products safely, and be aware of the risk of overdose or poisoning. If severe side effects occur or a drug interaction is suspected, call poison control at 800-222-1222 or local emergency services.
Some people who use cannabis may develop cannabis use disorder. Therefore, it's crucial to approach its use thoughtfully and responsibly.
While the evidence for AS is limited, a 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that people consistently reported pain reduction with the use of cannabis. For the most reliable information, searching medical databases like PubMed or clinical trial registries directly for the latest peer-reviewed research on cannabis and AS would be recommended.
- Ankylosing spondylitis patients often report that cannabis alleviates chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, but scientific research has yet to conclusively verify these claims.
- There is currently no published research comparing the effectiveness of CBD versus THC for ankylosing spondylitis, and it is not possible to reliably compare their risks and benefits without scientific data.
- While some people with rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, use cannabis, a study testing CBD for AS published in 2019 has not released its results yet.
- When considering the use of cannabis for managing ankylosing spondylitis, patients should proceed with caution, seek medical advice, and be aware of the potential risks such as overdose or poisoning, and the possibility of developing cannabis use disorder.
