Study: Cannabis Fights Arthritis-Related Cartilage Loss

A study published recently in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health shows that synthetic cannabinoid treatment reduces osteoarthritis-related cartilage breakdown, as reported by The Weed Blog.

The findings align with years of anecdotal evidence suggesting cannabis may fight osteoarthritis-related cartilage breakdown as well as treating pain and discomfort that typically accompany the degenerative joint disease.

The two main types of arthritis are osteo and rheumatoid. Osteoarthritis is the more common, less severe form of the disease and is estimated to affect more than 20 million Americans, as reported by Whaxy.

Osteoarthritis is caused by everyday wear and tear, and eventual breakdown of protective joint cartilage. It can also be caused by obesity or injury.

More from Whaxy:

"Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder suffered by patients. While it typically plagues the joints of the hands, knees, hips, and spine, osteoarthritis can strike any joint in the body. This condition results in stiffness, chronic (and often severe) pain, and limited mobility."

Due to marijuana’s analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties, it makes logical sense that the drug would act as an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis patients.

The most recent study, conducted by researchers at The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in China’s Hunan province, provides scientific evidence to support “a novel mechanism by which cannabinoids may prevent cartilage breakdown in OA (osteoarthritis).”