Having assisted thousands of patients diagnosed with both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis at our clinics, we wanted to share some of the most common questions we get, ensuring you have answers you may be looking for.
Please be reminded that medical cannabis is a personalized medication and you should always consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to starting. Apollo’s team is always ready to help. If you have any other questions, we’d be happy to answer them for you at Marketing@apolloresearch.ca.
Questions & Answers on Medical Cannabis & Arthritis
Q: I have very bad arthritic flare-ups; could CBD help?
A: When it comes to arthritic flares, CBD may help with both pain relief and inflammation. It is possible to use CBD both during the day and before bed. To help prevent overnight flare ups, medical cannabis may limit your body’s inflammatory response.
Q: With topicals (creams) out now as a medical option, what do you recommend – ingestible oils or a topical?
A: Topical use can be beneficial for patients, but it is important to understand that when using topical, patients will not attain the systemic benefits as they would with ingestion. Another point to note is that topicals are less likely to reach and affect deeper joints, whereas oils and capsules have the potential to circulate throughout the entire body.
Q: I have been taking medical cannabis now which seems to really help with both my pain and anxiety. Is cannabis ok to take with an SSRI (anti-anxiety medication)?
A: There are some factors to take into consideration when using cannabis and an SSRI. It is dependent on your individual treatment with an SSRI therefore it is best to consult with a medical professional if you are on any anti-depressants and would like to use cannabis.
Q: How do I know when I’ve found the right dose?
A: You experience symptom relief.
Q: Is cannabis ok to use in conjunction with other non-pharmaceutical remedies like stretching and yoga?
A: Of course! In fact, it is highly recommended that cannabis be part of a bigger treatment plan. Yoga, stretching, and other lifestyle modifications may add to the success patients experience when using medical cannabis.
Q: Do I need to worry about pesticides or herbicides in medical cannabis? How can I be sure the products are safe?
A: Health Canada ensures the highest standards are upheld by licensed producers. As a consumer of medical cannabis, you can protect yourself from harmful substances by ensuring all your medications come from a licensed producer and not unauthorized sources. For more information check out Health Canada’s guidelines, visit your License Producer’s website or send us your inquiry to Marketing@apolloresearch.ca
Q: I take other medications for my arthritis as well as blood pressure. Is medical cannabis still an option for me?
A: Yes it can be. However, an appointment with a health care professional at Apollo will ensure that none of your medications interact with Medical Cannabis.
Q: I have been prescribed medical cannabis for arthritis in my knees and it seems to be working quite well. How often can I safely use it? Is there a certain amount of time I have to wait after using it before doing things like driving?
A: This depends on the strain (CBD/THC content) that you are using. However, no matter the strain type or medication you are using, you cannot drive while impaired. The length of time to wait if you do feel impaired is dependent on the route of administration and strain. The frequency of use is highly dependent upon the patient. Overall, it is best to consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Q: If I use medical cannabis as a salve or topical, is there any risk of developing mental impacts like dizziness or a slowing down of my mental acuity?
A: It is highly unlikely. The absorption is minute and is unlikely to impact the central nervous system. However, there is not enough research to understand fully how medical cannabis works when used topically.
Q: My chronic pain and arthritis have led to chronic fatigue. Can medical cannabis assist with both of these at the same time? How does it work?
A: Yes it can. It can help relieve pain at night and ensure that your body is attaining more hours of quality sleep!
We hope you discovered something new in this Q&A session and are happy to help answer any other questions you have. Schedule a consultation and speak with one of Apollo’s medical practitioners for a free appointment.
Our team is here to support you 7 days a week, so don’t hesitate to reach out at 1-877-560-9195.
