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Of surveyed arthritis patients using CBD reported improvement in pain. Journal of Cannabis Research
Reported improved sleep after using CBD for arthritis symptoms. Journal of Cannabis Research
Was the average reduction in pain score reported by CBD users in the same arthritis survey. Journal of Cannabis Research
People in the UK live with arthritis or a similar joint condition. NHS
Could treatment be suitable?
A specialist may assess you if:
- You have a diagnosed condition or an established clinical history.
- Standard treatments have not helped enough or were unsuitable.
- You are 18 or over and live in the UK.
- Your records allow a doctor to review previous care and current medicines.
Understanding the condition
More than “just a bit of arthritis”
Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is linked to wear and changes in the joint, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks its own joints.
Symptoms commonly include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement, which can make everyday tasks and work harder and affect sleep and mood.
Arthritis is not only a condition of later life — it can affect people of all ages. Getting the right diagnosis and an individual treatment plan is important for protecting joints and quality of life.
Recognising the impact
Common arthritis symptoms
Symptoms vary by type of arthritis and by person, and can change from day to day.
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Stiffness, often worse in the morning
- Swelling around the joints
- Reduced range of movement
- Warmth or redness over a joint
- Tiredness, particularly with inflammatory arthritis
Conventional treatments
Conventional treatment options
Care depends on the type of arthritis and usually combines lifestyle measures with medication. Standard options include:
- Exercise, physiotherapy and weight management
- Anti-inflammatories such as naproxen or diclofenac
- Co-codamol for pain in some cases
- Disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine for inflammatory arthritis
- Short courses of prednisolone during flare-ups
- Joint injections or surgery where appropriate
Although these options help many people, they are not enough for everyone. If arthritis symptoms still affect daily life, a specialist assessment can help you understand whether another route may be suitable.
Specialist-led care
How may medical cannabis support arthritis pain?
Medical cannabis does not treat joint damage or inflammation and is not disease-modifying. Where arthritis pain and its impact on sleep persist despite recognised care, a specialist may review whether it could help as part of a wider plan.
Where arthritis pain continues despite standard options, a GMC-registered specialist can review your history and consider whether medical cannabis may help as part of a wider plan. It works alongside, not instead of, treatments that protect the joints in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Cannabis-based medicines act on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which has a role in how we experience pain. Some people explore this route for persistent pain or sleep disruption when standard options have not helped enough, with response varying from person to person.
A GMC-registered specialist will review your diagnosis, current treatment and medicines before deciding whether a trial of treatment is appropriate, and will keep your wider care team informed where you wish.
Effects can vary from person to person, which is why a GMC-registered specialist reviews your symptoms, goals, medicines and records before deciding whether treatment may be appropriate.
1
Eligibility screening
Tell us about your diagnosis, symptoms and treatments already tried. No GP referral is needed.
2
Specialist consultation
A GMC-registered specialist reviews your records, goals, current medicines and relevant risks by online video.
3
Decision and follow-up
When treatment is appropriate, outcomes and side effects are monitored and the plan is reviewed.
Evidence
What does the evidence say?
Developing evidence (pain and sleep, not disease-modifying)
Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis are managed differently. Evidence relates to pain and sleep support rather than modifying the disease, so recognised treatment continues.
- Inflammatory arthritis is controlled with DMARDs; medical cannabis does not replace them.
- Any role is limited to pain and sleep support after standard options.
- Rheumatology care and monitoring continue alongside any assessment.
Related support
Explore related arthritis support
These pages may help if symptoms overlap or you want to understand the wider specialist assessment pathway.
Safety
Possible side effects
Medical cannabis is prescribed under specialist supervision, and patient experience can vary. Your clinician will explain what to watch for and adjust your plan if needed.
- Decreased appetite or feeling sick
- Diarrhoea or weakness
- Dizziness or feeling very tired
- Behavioural or mood changes
They’ll usually ease on their own, but speak to your clinician if they don’t improve over time.
Questions
Arthritis FAQs
Clear answers on eligibility, suitability and legal prescribing in the UK.
Is medical cannabis legal for arthritis in the UK?
Medical cannabis has been legal to prescribe in the UK since November 2018, but only a specialist doctor on the GMC Specialist Register can prescribe it, and only when it is clinically appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee a prescription.
Can medical cannabis replace my arthritis medication?
No. Medical cannabis is not a substitute for disease-modifying or other prescribed arthritis treatment. Where appropriate, it may be considered alongside your existing care to help manage persistent symptoms.
Do I need a GP referral to be assessed?
No GP referral is needed. You can complete a short online eligibility check yourself, and we will keep your GP informed where you would like us to.
Is an online assessment as reliable as in person?
Yes. Our structured video assessments follow the same recognised diagnostic standards used in face-to-face appointments, with the added convenience of being seen from home.
Does it work for every type of arthritis?
Suitability is assessed individually and depends on your type of arthritis, history and previous treatments. A specialist will explain whether it may be an option for you.
Find out whether a specialist assessment may be suitable
Complete a short eligibility check. A prescribing decision can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a GMC-registered specialist.