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  • About Arthritis
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    woman holding her wristWhat Is Arthritis?

    Arthritis is not one disease. Learn about the different types of arthritis, how they differ and why it’s important.

    microbesInflammation and the Immune System

    Body-wide inflammation is at the root of most chronic diseases — and you may have more control over it than you think.

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    A new arthritis diagnosis can be overwhelming. These tips can help.

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    Learn the various causes of arthritis-related fatigue and strategies to combat weariness.

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    More of these biologic medications will soon be available. Learn what they are, whether you should consider them and what to ask your doctor.

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    Woman with upset stomachMicrobiome, Gut Health & Arthritis

    Microbiome, microbes, microorganisms – these terms may be confusing, but the types of bacteria living in and on our bodies can impact arthritis. Learn what helps or harms the microbiome and the health of your gut and discover dietary changes that can make a difference. This episode was originally released on January 19, 2021.

    woman consoling anotherArthritis and Mental Health

    Learn about the connection between arthritis, depression and anxiety and how these conditions can make your arthritis worse.

    Woman ExercisingYour Exercise Solution (YES)

    Movement is the best medicine, even when your joints hurt. Your Exercise Solution (YES) is a resource to help you create a physical activity routine with modifications developed and approved by physical therapists.

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    The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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    You may have arthritis, but it doesn't have you. The Arthritis Foundation’s one-of-a-kind podcast. Hosted by patients, for patients.

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An Arthritis Patient’s Journey With CBD

Read the Foundation's official CBD Guidance for patients.

We recently connected with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient and Arthritis Foundation volunteer Ron Lev to find out more about his personal experience with CBD. Ron was formally diagnosed with RA 27 years ago and currently leads an Arthritis Foundation Connect Group, providing support to other arthritis patients.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today, Ron. First off, do you use prescribed medications to manage your RA symptoms?

Ron: Yes, for overall management of my RA, I use rituximab.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: I also see that you have used CBD to help with your pain. What made you decide to try CBD?

Ron: In one word — steroids. Pretty much since day one of my RA diagnosis I was put on prednisone, and for the following 23 years, was a real addict. Trying to quit steroids, I always ended up in pain. And we all know what harsh side-effects steroids have, especially when taken long-term.

I began using CBD oil and, in parallel, with steroids so that I could reduce my steroids intake. I began cutting my prednisone to half dosage, and then to quarters. By the end of the third week, I just felt I no longer needed steroids. It’s been four years and I have never looked back. For overall management of my RA, I use rituximab.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: With the rise in awareness of CBD products, where did you find information on CBD?

Ron: It all started with a scam. Around five years ago, I was targeted with an online ad urging me to try a CBD oil bottle for only the shipping cost. I thought to myself, heck, why not? Well, little did I know, it was a scam. I did get a bottle of oil, but also went on an auto-charge plan for a whopping $100 a month! Getting off their fraudulent scheme was tougher than terminating cable television, but I finally did it.

This sparked my interest in really researching the topic of CBD. I learned all about the hemp plant and the naturally occurring substances within it. I also learned that there were many more cannabinoids in addition to CBD and how all these interact with our bodies.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: That must have been very frustrating. When you decided to start researching on your own, how did you decide what form and dosage of CBD to use? 

Ron: With so many products out there (many of which of very low quality) and with little to no regulation over the market, I decided to source my own raw material and create my own oil blend. I know, pretty adventurous.

After thorough market research and some recommendations from trusted sources, I found my source, detailed my specifications, and requested samples. I was ready to experiment. I decided to start low and gradually increase my dosage. I began with 1/2ml twice a day, and after a week, I felt fine, so went up to 1ml twice a day, then up to 2ml. I didn’t experience any side effects. After a year when I was feeling good, I begin to dose down, going to 1.5ml a day from 2ml. It worked well for me.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: During your experimentation to find out if CBD would work for you, did you discuss CBD with your doctor?

Ron: Having had RA for so long, I have learned to adopt an active/pro-active approach. I most often do my own research and homework and then come to my rheumatologist with my ideas and suggestions.

I have honest and open communication with my rheumatologist but decided to try CBD for a few months to see how my body reacted before discussing it. I’m not saying this is the right approach for everyone, since it depends on your type of arthritis, disease activity, other medications, etc. When I shared with him that I didn’t need the steroids, he respected my decision, although he said he couldn’t recommend CBD.

In the case of CBD, or rather hemp oil (and cannabis in general), most MDs will refrain from actively approving such treatments simply because they have to follow the traditional guidelines of medicine with recommendations supported by substantial clinical trials if not completely approved by the FDA.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: Thinking back on the entirety of your experience with CBD, what advice would you give other RA patients about using CBD?

Ron: I think three things are very important to remember:

  • Give it some time. People tend to expect an overnight miracle, and in the case of systemic diseases like RA, it just won’t happen. Cannabinoids need time to interact with our own endocannabinoid system and to interact with the relevant receptors within our cells. Give it time — it can take weeks, or even months to work. And, yes, it may not work at all. But if you won’t give it a fair chance, how would you know?

  • Use trial and error. Like with any medication, there’s no “one-fits-all” formula. There’s a lot of trial and error involved both with dosage as well as with the substance itself. You might be lucky and find your perfect match on your first trial, but you might also have to go through a few other products to find the one that works for you.

  • Don’t believe everything you read and hear. There are many people out there who are in the CBD space “for the ride” (Amazon is full of super cheap CBD products with specifications that don’t even make sense). Do your research and talk to others in your condition that found relief. There’s nothing like that patient-to-patient trust.





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ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION: Ron, thank you for your time today and for sharing your story. 

To learn more about CBD, visit the Arthritis Foundation's website. Want to have your voice heard? Participate in a collaborative survey on medical cannabis from researchers at the University of Michigan, McGill University, the Arthritis Foundation and the Arthritis Society (Canada).
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Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. 

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Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift.

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Volunteer Opportunities

The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis with life-changing information, advocacy, science and community. We can only achieve these goals with your help. Strong, outspoken and engaged volunteers will help us conquer arthritis. By getting involved, you become a leader in our organization and help make a difference in the lives of millions. Join us and become a Champion of Yes.

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Live Yes! INSIGHTS


Give Just 10 Minutes.

Tell us what matters most to you. Change the future of arthritis.

By taking part in the Live Yes! INSIGHTS assessment, you’ll be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis, for yourself and for 54 million others. And all it takes is just 10 minutes.

Your shared experiences will help:

- Lead to more effective treatments and outcomes
- Develop programs to meet the needs of you and your community
- Shape a powerful agenda that fights for you

Now is the time to make your voice count, for yourself and the entire arthritis community. 

Currently this program is for the adult arthritis community.  Since the needs of the juvenile arthritis (JA) community are unique, we are currently working with experts to develop a customized experience for JA families. 

How are you changing the future?

By sharing your experience, you’re showing decision-makers the realities of living with arthritis, paving the way for change. You’re helping break down barriers to care, inform research and create resources that make a difference in people’s lives, including your own.

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Meet Our Partners

As a partner, you will help the Arthritis Foundation provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections for people with arthritis, the nations leading cause of disability. Join us today and help lead the way as a Champion of Yes.

Trailblazer

Our Trailblazers are committed partners ready to lead the way, take action and fight for everyday victories. They contribute $2,000,000 to $2,749,000

Visionary

Our Visionary partners help us plan for a future that includes a cure for arthritis. These inspired and inventive champions have contributed $1,500,00 to $1,999,999.

Pioneer

Our Pioneers are always ready to explore and find new weapons in the fight against arthritis. They contribute $1,000,000 to $1,499,999.

Pacesetter

Our Pacesetters ensure that we can chart the course for a cure for those who live with arthritis. They contribute $500,000 to $999,000.

Signature

Our Signature partners make their mark by helping us identify new and meaningful resources for people with arthritis. They contribute $250,000 to $499,999.

Supporting

Our Supporting partners are active champions who provide encouragement and assistance to the arthritis community. They contribute $100,000 to $249,999.

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