Hemp oil can be used to treat arthritis

Published 4:06 am Wednesday, February 7, 2018

By Staff Reports

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have severe pain from osteoarthritis. I am able to get some relief with one tablet of 5/325 Norco a day. My doctor is trying to wean me off Norco, and some days I can manage with a halftablet. To help control my pain, I have been using hemp oil with the Norco. Hemp oil seems to be a new trend in combating severe arthritis pain. Would you please comment on this? — E.B.

ANSWER: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. While there is no cure, the pain often can be managed with judicious exercise, pain relievers like Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medicines like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen.

Opiates, like hydrocodone (Norco is a brand of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone), are not usually used for people with osteoarthritis; they are less effective, have serious side effects, can lead to physiological tolerance and tend to lose effect over time.

Hemp oil contains many components of Cannabis sativa (marijuana), depending on the plant and on how it is extracted. No hemp oil sold legally in the U.S. contains THC, the primary chemical in marijuana responsible for the euphoria or “high.” However, other components of hemp oil have been shown to improve arthritis pain and inflammation. There is not yet enough high-quality data for me to recommend using hemp oil to treat arthritis.