A while back, some friends and family were strongly against using marijuana (cannabis) or CBD products for their arthritis and muscle aches. For whatever reason, they recently decided to give it a try. Now, they can’t stop talking about how the products alleviate their pain. Ironic, yet amusing, how the biggest doubters have turned into the biggest fans, as if I wasn’t the first one trying to convince them years ago.

If you are still undecided, don’t be scared to try medical marijuana for your gout. It won’t stop gout attacks, but it can help you get through those unbearable times while you wait for the extreme pain and swelling to subside. Read on to learn the finer details of how marijuana can help with gout symptoms.

Remember:

  • Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in the marijuana or cannabis plant, meaning that it affects the mind and causes the “high” sensation.
  • Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is another cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Although CBD affects the brain, CBD is not intoxicating.

For a deeper dive on how CBD works for gout, read this: The Truth About Using Cannabidiol (CBD) For Gout

Limitations of Current Gout Treatments

The limitations of traditional gout treatments make alternative methods worth considering. Here are two traditional gout medications that marijuana can complement or serve as another option.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen sodium (Aleve), aim to relieve intense pain and inflammation. While these medications can offer relief, they do have their drawbacks. Long-term use of NSAIDs can result in stomach problems, ulcers, and complications with the kidneys.

Colchicine

Colchicine, the go-to anti-gout medication, can sometimes cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. It requires careful dosing, since the tendency is to take more for instant relief. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and muscle weakness.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana For Gout

Here are four primary benefits of medical marijuana for gout symptoms:

Pain Relief Properties

Every gout sufferer is all too familiar with the excruciating pain of a gout flare. Marijuana offers promising analgesic (pain relief) properties comparable to NSAIDs. The cannabinoids in marijuana interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating pain perception. By activating certain receptors in the nervous system, marijuana can reduce the sensation of pain, thus providing much-needed relief during a gout attack.

Furthermore, a comprehensive review of cannabis research supported by the government has indicated that THC may be more effective in providing relief for chronic pain compared to CBD. The review found that while cannabinoids in general can be beneficial for chronic pain, products with a higher ratio of THC to CBD may have stronger effects than those with a higher ratio of CBD to THC.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Alongside pain relief, medical marijuana has been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, which benefits people with arthritis or gout. Again, specific cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, but in this case plays a role in regulating inflammation.

Studies have suggested that the cannabinoids in marijuana can help reduce inflammation from arthritis and gout. They can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory substances and promote a balance in the immune response, alleviating redness, swelling, and pain.

Less Addictive than Prescribed Pain Killers

It no secret doctors have been overprescribing heavy pain killers for a wide range of ailments. Even within the gout community, opioid prescriptions have significantly increased for short-term pain management.

Consequently, marijuana presents a safer and effective alternative for doctors to prescribe before resorting to highly addictive painkillers such as opioids.

Improved Sleep and Mood:

Marijuana and CBD products have more to offer than just pain relief. They can actually help improve your sleep. Recent studies have shown that another compound found in marijuana, called CBN (Cannabinol), has sedative effects that may promote healthier sleep.

During a gout attack, falling asleep can be challenging due to the pain caused by the slightest movement. Marijuana can help you fall asleep faster and maintain uninterrupted sleep throughout the night. Additionally, it can help you fall asleep when necessary. Why go through the excruciating agony of a gout flare when you can be knocked out for most of the ordeal?

Furthermore, certain cannabis strains have also shown potential to improve mood, which can provide some much-needed relief from the emotional toll of chronic pain. It’s not just about treating the physical symptoms, but also enhancing your overall well-being and quality of life. By lifting your spirits, marijuana may offer a more holistic approach to managing the pain and frustration from gout.

Misconceptions and Concerns About Marijuana for Gout

Concern 1: Smoke and Stink

Among all the concerns, the issue raised by all my skeptical family members was the smoke and stink of marijuana. They simply disliked the odor and had no desire to inhale it.

In case you have been living off-grid for the last few years, marijuana use is no longer about just sparking up and smoking it. There is a wide variety of marijuana and CBD products available for medicinal purposes. The common forms are oils/tinctures, edibles, creams/lotions, and capsules/tablets. Thus, no smoke and no smell.

Concern 2: Psychoactive Effects

For someone skeptical about the “high” effects of marijuana, then CBD products are the way to go. There are countless CBD products specifically designed without THC. Numerous consumers prefer the CBD options because it allows them to function and go about their activities normally, while still benefiting from the therapeutic effects.

Concern 3: Addiction

It’s logical to address concerns about marijuana addiction. While marijuana’s THC can be addictive for some, it is not habit-forming for most users with proper knowledge and dosage. The large majority of adult weed smokers do not develop an addiction when using it responsibly.

Additionally, addiction is more common among individuals with a predisposition like genetics or underlying mental health conditions. Compared to substances like opioids or stimulants, the risk of addiction to marijuana is relatively very low.

If you are still concerned, a CBD product would again be your best option. CBD is considered non-addictive because it does not stimulate the brain’s reward system in the same way as THC.

Concern 4: Legal Implications

Each state has its own unique laws and restrictions when it comes to marijuana. Numerous states have legalized it for medicinal purposes, but fewer have approved recreational use.

But don’t worry, understanding these laws is not as complicated as it seems. There are several helpful websites affiliated with state governments that provide up-to-date and easy-to-understand information about marijuana laws. These resources can guide you and provide clear explanations of the legal implications in your state.

Here are three great sources of information on marijuana laws per state: National Conference of State Legislatures, NORML, and DISA Global Solutions Inc,

Does gout qualify for a medical marijuana card?

Medical marijuana cards are issued to patients who need cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC. These eight states lists arthritis as a qualifying condition; AR, CA, CT, HI, IL, MI, NM, NY. Since gout is a type of arthritis, people with gout should have little issue getting approved.

In the states where arthritis does not qualify, chronic pain may be justified for a medical marijuana card. Gout sufferers face the challenge of how each state defines chronic pain. In some cases, a prescription of allopurinol, or similar medications, is enough to prove gout pain is chronic. However, there are situations when doctors may not view gout as a condition that causes constant, daily, intractable or unmanageable pain.

Concern 5: Lack of Scientific Evidence

It’s understandable to have doubts due to the unknown or preliminary scientific evidence on the effectiveness of marijuana in treating gout or arthritis. Much more extensive research is necessary to reveal all of its properties.

A growing body of evidence, including recent clinical studies continue to suggest the potential benefits of medical marijuana for gout and arthritis. Furthermore, the multitude of positive patient testimonials cannot be discounted or ignored.

Many celebrities have openly shared their experiences with using cannabis or CBD products for various health conditions, including arthritis. Their firsthand accounts add to the increasing public support of marijuana for managing pain-related ailments.

Concern 6: Side Effects

Immediate side effects: It’s natural to worry about potential side effects when considering any new form of treatment. However, it’s important to note that marijuana’s side effects are generally mild and well-tolerated. Possible side effects may include temporary drowsiness, dry mouth, or slight changes in cognitive function (if made with THC). By starting with low doses, you can minimize any surprise and risk of side effects while reaching an effective level of relief.

Weight gain: Certain strains of marijuana can increase appetite, leading to the popular notion of “munchies.” Then again, there are many strains and CBD products that have little to no effect on appetite.

It’s important to note that significant weight gain is also dependent on the individual’s overall dietary habits and lifestyle choices. By being mindful of your food and drink choices, you can manage your weight effectively even if you use marijuana.

Laziness: Marijuana affects individuals differently, and its impact on motivation and ambition can vary. While some people may experience temporary feelings of relaxation or contentment after using marijuana, it does not inherently make everyone lazy or less ambitious. Many successful individuals and professionals use marijuana products responsibly while maintaining their drive and motivation.

It’s important to note that the effects of marijuana can depend on factors such as the strain, dosage, individual tolerance, and state of mind. Most importantly, it’s crucial to choose strains that are known for their energizing or uplifting properties, such as sativa strains, which provide a more stimulating effect.

Ready to try a CBD product with THC without a medical marijuana card? Click to check out these pain-relief products formulated with Delta 9 THC within legal limits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering trying medical marijuana products for gout, talk to your doctor and gather trustworthy information to form your own opinion. When trying any new medical treatment, it’s crucial to use it responsibly and with maturity. Gradual dosing is the best way to go to get used to the effects of THC.

Many people have found pain relief with the use of marijuana and CBD products, which suggests it may help during a gout attack. Its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects are similar to traditional NSAIDs used to reduce gout symptoms. Marijuana can also help you sleep through the pain. Just be aware, there’s always a possibility that you will unknowingly move the gouty limb while asleep, and wake up in shocking pain. That always sucks!

Isn’t it worth knowing if the cannabinoids in marijuana can ease some pain of gout? They can also help you chill out while you sit there frustrated, restless, and immobile.

Marijuana won’t prevent gout attacks, but it can be quite valuable in providing relief when you really need it. Eventually, you won’t rely on it as much when you start becoming GOUTPROOF!

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