Rheumatologists cannot recommend the use medical marijuana as a therapeutic option for patients with rheumatic diseases, as studies provide limited information.
![No Enough Evidence To Support Marijuana`s Effects In Patients With Rheumatic Diseases No Enough Evidence To Support Marijuana`s Effects In Patients With Rheumatic Diseases](https://images.medindia.net/health-images/1200_1000/marijuana1.jpg)
‘The research team identified only four small studies of short duration (from two to eight weeks) that included a total of 201 patients.
’
![pinterest](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/pinterest.png)
"In the context that rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, are very common, these studies provide limited information, and we cannot draw any conclusions regarding efficacy or side effects--especially long-term side effects--associated with cannabinoid therapy," said Dr. Fitzcharles. "Therefore, based on current scientific study, rheumatologists cannot recommend the use of cannabinoids in general, and medical marijuana in particular, as a therapeutic option for rheumatology patients.”
![twitter](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/twitter.png)
![facebook](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/facebook.png)
![whatsapp](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/whatsapp.png)
![linkedin](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/linkedin.png)
![pinterest](https://images.medindia.net/icons/news/social/pinterest.png)
Dr. Fitzcharles noted that while animal and laboratory studies have indicated a possible benefit of cannabinoids for managing pain and inflammation, evidence in humans is needed before such therapy can be endorsed. "The scientific community must call for further urgent research to determine the true role of cannabinoids in rheumatic conditions," she said.
The review is published in Arthritis Care & Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
Source-EurkeAlert