A groundbreaking study published in the Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings has found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who use cannabis may experience better health outcomes and lower hospital costs than those who don’t. The findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that medical cannabis could offer real benefits for people managing chronic inflammatory conditions — including thousands of Georgians living with RA.

Key Findings from the Study

Researchers from St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx analyzed hospital data from more than 3.3 million RA patients over a five-year period using the National Inpatient Sample, one of the largest hospital databases in the country.

After adjusting for age, gender, and other health factors, they found that RA patients who used cannabis experienced:

• 50% lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.50)
• Reduced rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain
• 10% lower hospital costs compared to non-users

The study’s authors believe cannabis may help reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve overall well-being, which could lead to fewer complications and shorter hospital stays.

What This Means for Georgia Patients

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million Americans, including thousands here in Georgia. The disease causes painful inflammation, stiffness, and joint damage — often requiring long-term use of anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or immunosuppressants. Unfortunately, many traditional medications come with difficult side effects and the risk of dependency.

That’s why more Georgians are turning to medical cannabis as a natural, plant-based alternative. According to national surveys, nearly 1 in 5 arthritis patients already use cannabis to help relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation.

Both THC and CBD, the active compounds in cannabis, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system — a complex network that helps regulate immune response, pain perception, and inflammation. For some RA patients, this can mean less discomfort and an improved quality of life.

Moving Toward Better Research and Access

While the findings from this large-scale study are promising, researchers caution that more clinical research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits and identify optimal dosing strategies. Federal restrictions continue to slow progress, but observational studies like this are helping pave the way for more formal medical research.

As Georgia’s medical cannabis program continues to grow, it’s vital that patients and physicians alike stay informed about the latest science. Understanding how cannabis interacts with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis could help more people find relief safely and effectively.

Access Safe, Professional Medical Cannabis Care in Georgia

If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis or another qualifying condition, medical cannabis may be an option worth exploring. At Elevated Health MD, our Georgia-certified medical providers guide patients through the evaluation and registration process — making it simple, secure, and stress-free.

Learn more or start your Georgia medical cannabis evaluation today at ElevatedHealthMD.com.