Arthritis is one of the most common causes of long-term pain and reduced mobility in the UK. For many people, symptoms persist despite trying multiple treatments, affecting work, sleep, independence, and quality of life.
At Medicann Clinics, specialist doctors assess whether medical cannabis may be appropriate for people with chronic arthritis symptoms who have not found adequate relief with conventional options. This page explains what arthritis is, how it is commonly managed, and how medical cannabis may help.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It can affect people of all ages, though it becomes more common with increasing age.
Arthritis affects over 10 million people in the UK and is a leading cause of disability.
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis
Other inflammatory arthritides
Arthritis symptoms vary between individuals and may fluctuate from day to day. For many people, symptoms gradually worsen over time and can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life.
Common features include:
Chronic arthritis pain can also affect emotional wellbeing. Long-term discomfort and reduced mobility may contribute to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal.
Arthritis does not have a single cause, and the underlying reason varies depending on the type of arthritis and individual risk factors. In many cases, several factors contribute gradually over time.
Understanding the cause of arthritis helps clinicians tailor management strategies, particularly when symptoms are long-term and persist despite standard treatments.
Living with arthritis can affect many aspects of daily life, from movement and independence to work, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Arthritis management usually starts with standard NHS-recommended treatments to manage pain and inflammation. These may include
:
Medications
Non-medication approaches
While these treatments help many people, some continue to struggle with ongoing pain, experience side effects from long-term medication use, or find that treatments become less effective over time. This is often when people begin exploring whether medicinal cannabis for arthritis could help.
Medical cannabis is sometimes prescribed to help manage symptoms associated with chronic conditions like arthritis, where conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Some patients report that medical cannabis may help with:
Your clinician will assess suitability on a case-by-case basis. Medical cannabis is not considered a cure for arthritis, but may form part of a broader symptom-management plan.
Research into cannabinoids and arthritis is continuing to develop.
Observational studies suggest that some patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain report improvements in symptoms such as pain and sleep when prescribed cannabinoid-based medicines under medical supervision. A 2024 study found that some people with osteoarthritis reported improvements in pain and overall quality of life after starting cannabis-based medicinal products, with treatment generally well tolerated over a year of follow-up.
Health guidance in the UK and internationally recognises that research into medical cannabis is continuing to grow. For some people, it may be worth exploring as part of specialist care, particularly when other treatments have not brought the relief they were hoping for.
The right medical cannabis for arthritis isn’t the same for everyone. It depends on how your symptoms affect you, how you live day to day, and how your body reacts. This is why treatment is personalised and reviewed regularly.
Your specialist doctor may consider different formats, including:
In addition to the format, your clinician will also consider the balance of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, as different ratios may be more suitable depending on whether symptoms relate more to pain, inflammation, muscle tension, or sleep.
Treatment plans are tailored to the individual and may be adjusted gradually based on effectiveness, tolerability, and any side effects.
Many people ask about THC and CBD oil for arthritis.
It is important to understand the distinction:
Your Medicann clinician will determine whether an prescribed oil-based formulation is appropriate and discuss potential benefits and risks.
Medical cannabis is often considered alongside other approaches such as:
You should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking during your consultation.
“I recently signed up with Medicann for help with pain management, and they honestly exceeded my expectations. The whole process from registering to getting approved, was quick, smooth, and really professional. Everyone I dealt with was brilliant. I sent over my medical info, had a call with Dr Sunny, and was approved shortly after.”
No. Medical cannabis is not a cure for arthritis. It may help some patients manage certain symptoms, but arthritis itself is a long-term condition.
Not necessarily. Your clinician will review all current treatments and advise whether medical cannabis could be prescribed alongside your arthritis medication.
Prescribed medical cannabis is closely monitored and only prescribed when appropriate. A specialist doctor assesses risks and benefits before treatment, with doses adjusted carefully and regular reviews in place to support safe, responsible use.
With your consent, Medicann Clinics can write to your GP to keep them informed of your care.
(H3) How quickly does it work?
Onset varies depending on formulation and individual response. Your clinician will explain what to expect.
Medicann supports people living with arthritis through affordable, specialist-led medical cannabis care. As the lowest-cost medical cannabis clinic in the UK, Medicann offers free consultations for life with no repeat prescription fees, alongside same-day dispatch and convenient virtual appointments. This makes ongoing arthritis care more accessible and consistent over the long term.
If arthritis symptoms are still affecting your daily life, medical cannabis may be an option worth discussing. Check your eligibility online now. You can also contact the Medicann team for support or download the Medicann app to find out more.
All eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by a Medicann clinician.
