Medical cannabis treatments for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic pain condition characterised by the development of stiff, painful joints. Medical cannabis may help to manage certain symptoms of osteoarthritis, including chronic joint pain, mobility-related issues and poor sleep. 

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the tissues within joints around the body to break down over time. It’s also the most common form of arthritis in the UK.

Osteoarthritis was previously referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, due to experts believing at the time that joint degeneration was simply a part of ageing. We now know that’s not 100% the case, and the condition is actually a lot more complicated.

While almost any joint can be affected by osteoarthritis, the condition is mainly seen in areas like the: 

• knees

• hips

• hands (especially the ends of the fingers and thumbs)

• neck

• lower back

What causes osteoarthritis?

To this day, nobody knows exactly what causes osteoarthritis. However, there are several risk factors that may increase your likelihood of developing it. 

For example, you may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you: 

• are aged over 45 years old

• are a postmenopausal woman

• have previously experienced a joint injury

• have a family history of osteoarthritis

• are obese or carry extra weight around weight-bearing joints

• have been diagnosed with another joint condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

• do repetitive work, sport or activity that places repeated stress on a joint

Osteoarthritis has long been thought to be caused by changes to cartilage, the smooth protective tissue that covers the ends of bones. 

But we now know that it can actually affect the whole joint (as well as the cartilage), including everything from the bone and ligaments to the tendons and muscles.

As osteoarthritis progresses, the cartilage can become thinner and rougher. The body may try to repair the joint, but this process can lead to changes in the joint’s shape, resulting in swelling, stiffness and the development of bony growths called osteophytes.

For many people, symptoms will appear gradually over several years. But the condition can also appear in episodes or worsen after certain changes, such as an injury or surgery.

What symptoms does osteoarthritis cause?

The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the joints. This can then lead to swelling, feelings of tenderness in the joint and a grating or crackling sound when moving the affected joints. 

Some patients also report experiencing symptoms like: 

• increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while

• joints appearing slightly larger or more "knobbly" than usual

• limited range of movement in your joints

• weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)

The type and severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can also vary hugely from person to person, and you may not experience the same symptoms in different joints. 

You may also develop different symptoms depending on where the affected joint is located. 

Osteoarthritis in the hands, for instance, may cause stiff and swollen fingers. Whereas osteoarthritis in the hips could lead to mobility issues that affect your ability to rest or sleep.

Osteoarthritis symptoms can appear in episodes too, and may be impacted by certain factors like the weather or how active you are in your day-to-day life. 

But with the right treatment plan in place, many people can manage their symptoms and maintain their way of life effectively.

What are the conventional treatments for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, but it does not necessarily get any worse over time. While there is still no cure, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms. 

Conventional osteoarthritis treatments usually focus on reducing pain, improving joint function and helping you to stay active. 

Here is a breakdown of the most commonly recommended options for osteoarthritis: 

While some people find that conventional treatments work well, there’s no simple treatment for chronic pain, and others may continue to experience stiffness or other related symptoms. 

In these cases, medical cannabis may be recommended for eligible patients as part of a broader symptom-management plan for osteoarthritis.

Take a look at our patient stories to hear real-life insights into the impact prescribed medical cannabis has had on their osteoarthritis symptoms.

Can medical cannabis treatments help with osteoarthritis pain?

Medical cannabis treatments contain cannabinoids that may help some patients to manage osteoarthritis-related pain, especially in cases where conventional treatments have failed to provide relief.

While it won’t be suitable for every patient, a specialist may prescribe it to help with certain osteoarthritis-related symptoms, including:

• persistent joint pain

• pain-related sleep disruption

• muscle tension around affected joints

• reduced quality of life linked to chronic pain

• pain that has not responded well to conventional treatments

If you’re struggling with any of these issues and would like to learn more about whether medical cannabis could help, our medical cannabis eligibility checker is the best place to start.

How does the endocannabinoid system affect osteoarthritis pain?

The endocannabinoid system is a complex cell-signalling network that plays a central role in various bodily processes, including the regulation of sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and pain control.

It works through two main receptors: 

• CB1 receptors, which are mainly located in the brain and nervous system

• CB2 receptors, which are found more commonly in immune cells and peripheral tissues, including the joints

The pain associated with osteoarthritis doesn't come from just one place. 

Researchers have identified CB1 and CB2 receptors within areas like the cartilage, synovium and sensory nerves, meaning the pain could stem from anywhere in the joint. 

They have also recently unearthed another key area of interest: TRPV1 channels. 

TRPV1 channels help the body detect pain signals and are thought to become overactive in arthritic joints, which may contribute to the increased pain sensitivity many osteoarthritis patients experience.

This is where cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) may be able to lend a helping hand:

• THC activates CB1 receptors, which can influence how the brain and nervous system process pain signals

• CBD can indirectly interact with several systems, including the CB2 receptors involved in inflammation and the TRPV1 channels involved in pain sensitisation.

Because the endocannabinoid system plays a role in pain modulation, researchers are currently exploring whether cannabinoids may help some people manage chronic joint pain and osteoarthritis. So, watch this space.

What does current research say about medical cannabis treatments and osteoarthritis?

Research into the use of medical cannabis for osteoarthritis (and arthritis more generally) is still developing. 

But there is a growing interest within this area, particularly in terms of how medical cannabis may help alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the key pieces of clinical research to have been published in recent years:

Recent research suggests that medical cannabis may provide eligible osteoarthritis patients with relief from symptoms like chronic joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. It may also help to alleviate secondary issues, such as sleep-related issues and anxiety.

But osteoarthritis-specific clinical evidence remains fairly limited, so it’s important to always speak with a medical professional when considering medical cannabis as a potential treatment option. 

Am I eligible for medical cannabis for osteoarthritis at Releaf?

Yes, osteoarthritis is an eligible condition for medical cannabis in the UK through private, CQC-regulated clinics, such as us at Releaf.

To qualify, you'll need to have a confirmed diagnosis of osteoarthritis from a GP or medical specialist, and you'll need to have already tried at least two conventional treatments.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what our consultants will need to assess your eligibility: 

How does the Releaf process work?

At Releaf, we always assess eligibility for medical cannabis on an individual basis. That means we'll need to review your full medical background and current lifestyle before making a decision.

Here's how our process works:

• Step 1: Eligibility check
  Answer a few quick questions about your osteoarthritis diagnosis, symptoms and previous treatments.

• Step 2: Book a consultation
  If you're eligible, book a consultation with one of our specialist consultants.

• Step 3: Receive your prescription (if appropriate) 

If appropriate, we’ll create a personalised medical cannabis treatment plan around your symptoms, lifestyle and any other treatments you’re taking.

• Step 4: Delivery
  Order your prescription through the Releaf platform, and it’ll be delivered straight to your door in a matter of days.

• Step 5: Ongoing care 

Our world-class clinical team will review your progress and fine-tune your treatment throughout your journey with us. 

All of our eligible medical cannabis patients also receive access to Releaf+, a membership option that offers follow-up consultations, prescription charges and delivery, completely free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis and medical cannabis treatments

If you’ve got more questions about medical cannabis and osteoarthritis, we’re here to help. Listed below are some of the questions our consultants are asked about most often.

Can medical cannabis treatments help with knee osteoarthritis?

Living with osteoarthritis in the knee can make certain everyday activities like walking, driving or sleeping more difficult. 

Medical cannabis may help some eligible patients manage these activities more effectively by reducing the associated feelings of pain. 

That said, you should always speak to a medical professional before considering medical cannabis as part of a broader osteoarthritis treatment plan. 

Can I access medical cannabis treatment while waiting for a knee or hip replacement?

Yes, if you are living with chronic pain and have failed to get relief from conventional options, you can generally access a prescribed medical cannabis treatment while waiting for a knee or hip replacement.

However, your eligibility will depend on your diagnosis and medical history, so it’s important to let your consultant know that you are on a waiting list for surgery, as this may affect how your treatment is monitored.

Will medical cannabis interact with my existing osteoarthritis medications?

In the same way as any other prescription medicine, medical cannabis has been shown to interact with certain medicines. This is why giving a detailed medical history to your consultant is so important. 

Whatever other medications you’re taking, let your consultant know, and they will be able to advise you on whether medical cannabis would be a suitable addition to your treatment plan. 

What is the difference between prescribed medical cannabis and the CBD products I can buy online?

The main differences between prescribed medical cannabis and CBD products you can buy online are the strength, quality and ingredients used. 

Over-the-counter CBD products are not prescribed as treatments for specific medical conditions and won’t contain anywhere near the same levels of THC or CBD as cannabis-based medicines. 

Prescribed medical cannabis products are regulated forms of medication that are clinically assessed and tailored around specific patient needs. 

In the same way as other prescription medications, the dosage of the ingredients can be determined based on your consultant’s professional judgement.

Do medical cannabis treatments cure or reverse osteoarthritis?

No. Medical cannabis does not cure osteoarthritis, reverse cartilage loss or repair joint damage.

A medical cannabis prescription may help some eligible patients manage their pain or sleep more effectively, but the treatment should be seen as part of a wider care plan, not a cure.

Are medical cannabis treatments legal for osteoarthritis in the UK?

Yes, medical cannabis has been available on prescription in the UK since the UK government updated the law back in November 2018. 

That said, it can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor, and you must meet specific criteria to be eligible. 

Use our medical cannabis eligibility checker to see whether you qualify. 

What types of medical cannabis treatment might be prescribed for osteoarthritic pain?

The type of medical cannabis you are prescribed for your osteoarthritis diagnosis will depend on your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals.

Some patients may be prescribed cannabis oils, while others may receive dried flower to take with a vaporiser. 

Ultimately, the best option for you will be decided by your clinician, who will discuss the dosing, timing and different types of treatments during your initial consultation.

Take a look at our knowledge hub to learn more about the different types of medical cannabis products that are available for osteoarthritis patients.