Pilot Cross-Sectional Study Assessing the Correlation between Marijuana Use and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic...

Cannabis use is increasing among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, often for symptom relief; however, its impact on disease activity remains unclear. This pilot study assessed whether cannabis use was associated with differences in flare frequency or duration among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or both.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university-based rheumatology clinic in a US state where medical and recreational cannabis is legal. Adults (≥18 years) with confirmed RA, SLE, or both, receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy for ≥3 months were included. Participants (N = 85) completed structured interviews assessing cannabis use, flare characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes. Demographics, comorbidities, substance use, and inflammatory markers also were collected.

Among 85 participants (mean age 54 years; 89.4% female), 74.1% had RA, 17.6% SLE, and 8.2% had both. Cannabis use was reported by 30% of RA participants, 47% of SLE participants, and 71.4% of participants with both diagnoses. In the RA subgroup (n = 60), cannabis users had a greater odds of experiencing flares lasting longer than 3 days (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4-14.3). No association was found with RA flare frequency. Due to small sample sizes, no statistical analysis was conducted in the SLE or RA/SLE subgroups.

Cannabis use was associated with prolonged RA flares but not increased flare frequency. As cannabis becomes more accessible, further research is needed to clarify its immunologic effects. Clinicians should counsel patients regarding the potential risks of cannabis use in autoimmune disease management.