Arthritis is one of the most common causes of long-term pain in the UK. It can make everyday tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or opening a jar difficult.
Many people manage well with exercise, weight management and pain relief medicines. However, some continue to have pain despite trying different treatments.
If you have arthritis, you may wonder whether medical cannabis for arthritis could help.
In this guide, we explain what arthritis is, how medical cannabis may help, and what the current evidence tells us.
Key Takeaways
Arthritis is a common cause of chronic pain and stiffness.
Medical cannabis may help some people whose pain continues despite standard treatments.
It does not cure arthritis or repair damaged joints.
People with rheumatoid arthritis should continue their disease-controlling medicines unless advised otherwise.
Treatment should always be tailored to the individual and monitored by a specialist.
Arthritis Pain Relief Overview
Arthritis can cause persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being common forms. Medical cannabis may help some people manage ongoing pain, improve sleep, movement, daily activities, and quality of life when standard treatments are insufficient, but it does not cure arthritis or repair joint damage. Rheumatoid arthritis medicines remain essential for controlling disease progression. Treatment requires specialist assessment, personalised dosing, regular monitoring, and consideration of possible side effects.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the two most common are:
Osteoarthritis – caused by wear and tear of the joints over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
Although these conditions have different causes, both can lead to pain and reduced movement.
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
Symptoms vary from person to person but often include:
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Swelling
Reduced movement
Weakness
Difficulty with everyday activities
Some people have pain in one joint, while others have pain in many joints. For more information about arthritis symptoms and treatment, see the NHS guidance on arthritis [1].
How is Arthritis Treated?
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis.
Common arthritis treatments include:
Regular exercise
Weight management
Physiotherapy
Pain-relieving medicines
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Joint injections
Disease-modifying medicines (for rheumatoid arthritis)
Joint replacement surgery when needed
For many people, combining several treatments gives the best results.
Can Medical Cannabis Help Arthritis?
Medical cannabis for arthritis may help some people whose arthritis pain continues despite standard treatments.
Some patients report improvements in:
Pain
Sleep
Daily activities
Overall quality of life
Medical cannabis does not repair damaged joints or cure arthritis. Instead, the aim is to reduce symptoms and help people stay active.
What Does the Research Say?
Research into medical cannabis for arthritis is still developing.
Some studies suggest cannabis-based medicines may help reduce chronic pain in people with arthritis, particularly when other treatments have not worked well enough.
The evidence is currently stronger for chronic pain than for reducing joint inflammation.
For people with rheumatoid arthritis, medicines that control the immune system remain the main treatment. Medical cannabis should not replace these important medicines.
How Might Medical Cannabis Work?
Medical cannabis works with the body's endocannabinoid system.
This system helps regulate:
Pain
Sleep
Mood
Appetite
Inflammation
Scientists believe cannabinoids may reduce pain signals and help improve the way the body responds to chronic pain.
More research is needed to understand exactly how this works in different types of arthritis.
Is Medical Cannabis Right for Everyone With Arthritis?
No, medical cannabis for arthritis is not suitable for every patient.
A specialist doctor will consider:
The type of arthritis you have
Your symptoms
Previous treatments
Other medical conditions
Current medicines
Possible risks and side effects
The decision is always based on your individual circumstances.
What to Expect From an Arthritis Cannabis Assessment
If you are considering medical cannabis for arthritis, a specialist will first learn about your condition, symptoms, past treatments, and current medicines. This helps them decide whether treatment is safe and suitable for you.
Can Medical Cannabis Replace My Arthritis Medicines?
Usually not.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to continue taking medicines prescribed by your rheumatology team unless they advise otherwise.
These medicines help control the disease and protect your joints from long-term damage.
Medical cannabis may help manage pain, but it does not stop the underlying disease process.
What are the Possible Side Effects?
Like all medicines, medical cannabis can cause side effects.
These may include:
Feeling sleepy
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Feeling light-headed
Changes in concentration
Many people find these improve as treatment continues. Starting with a low dose and increasing slowly helps reduce the chance of unwanted effects.
What Else Can Help Arthritis?
Medicines are only one part of treatment.
Many people also benefit from:
Keeping active
Strengthening the muscles around painful joints
Maintaining a healthy weight
Good sleep habits
Managing stress
Using pacing to avoid overdoing activities
Small changes made consistently can make a big difference over time.
What Should I Expect if I Start Treatment?
If medical cannabis is prescribed, your treatment will usually begin with a low dose.
Your specialist will review your progress regularly and adjust the dose if needed. The aim is not usually to make pain disappear completely.
Instead, treatment aims to help you:
Move more comfortably
Sleep better
Take part in daily activities
Improve your quality of life
Conclusion
Arthritis doesn't have to control your life. At Leva Clinic, we believe pain care should feel personal, not the same for everyone. Our 3-in-1 approach brings together expert care, proven support, and medical cannabis where it helps, all aimed at helping you feel like yourself again. As the UK's first and largest cannabis clinic for pain patients, we've helped thousands live more comfortable, confident lives. With Leva, you're never just a list of symptoms. You're a person we truly care about helping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can medical cannabis cure arthritis?
No. There is currently no cure for most forms of arthritis. Medical cannabis aims to reduce symptoms rather than cure the condition.
Is it suitable for osteoarthritis?
Some people with osteoarthritis may benefit, particularly if pain continues despite other treatments. A specialist assessment is needed to decide if it is appropriate.
Can it help rheumatoid arthritis?
Medical cannabis may help manage pain, but it does not treat the underlying immune condition. It should not replace medicines prescribed by your rheumatologist.
Will I still need exercise?
Yes. Exercise remains one of the most effective treatments for arthritis. Medical cannabis may make it easier for some people to stay active by reducing pain.
How long does it take to work?
Some people notice improvements within a few days, while others need several weeks to find the right medicine and dose.
How Leva can help
Living with arthritis can affect every part of your life, from getting dressed in the morning to enjoying time with family and friends.
At Leva, our clinicians take time to understand your symptoms, previous treatments and personal goals before discussing whether medical cannabis may be a suitable option. If treatment is appropriate, we create a personalised plan with careful dose adjustments and regular follow-up to help you get the greatest possible benefit.
Our aim is to help you reduce pain, improve movement and support you in living as full and active a life as possible.
Citations
[1] NHS (2026). Arthritis. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/