Biologist Stops Corticosteroids After Using Cannabis to Treat Aggressive Arthritis

Diagnosed 22 years ago with aggressive arthritis, a disease that causes inflammation in the joints, biologist Rafaela Torres started treatment with cannabis about two months ago and has already seen great results. “The cannabis oil has a very quick effect. I had not found these results in any other natural medication,” reports the Brazilian, who currently lives in Portugal.

Even with the fear of starting treatment with the plant, due to experiences with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Rafaela, who had already tried numerous other conventional and alternative medications, decided to give cannabis a chance.

“At first, I was afraid of the treatment with marijuana, I was apprehensive because of the THC. But, I took two drops of the oil and had no negative effects. Then I started with three drops, then four, five… today I take seven drops throughout the day.”

In addition to helping with arthritis treatment, the medication also helps to eliminate aggressive corticosteroids, a substance she used for a long time. According to her, before cannabis, on days when she did not use conventional medications, the most common symptoms were stiffer, inflamed joints, making it difficult to move.

Besides arthritis, which mainly affects her knees and hands, Rafaela developed insomnia - almost chronic - a condition that significantly affects her daily life. Now, she, accompanied by a doctor, is analyzing the best way to use marijuana to treat her sleep disorder.

"It has been 22 years in treatment for this disease, 5 years with an uninterrupted corticosteroid dose, and only with the oil have I managed to replace the corticosteroid for the first time. For me, it is a victory to stop using corticosteroids, it is what everyone desires," she shared.

In addition to cannabis, Rafaela also uses a conventional medication for the control of her chronic disease. The biological medication used in her treatment is funded by the government of Portugal.

Experience Outside Brazil

Living in Portugal, a country where the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has been allowed since 2019, Rafaela has all her treatment funded by the local government. Furthermore, the Brazilian emphasizes the ease of obtaining cannabis-based products in the country.

“In Brazil, there is a very strict prohibition, something that does not happen in Portugal. Here it is very easy, it is like buying fruits at the market. You don’t need anything, even the price is much lower. Both the capital and the interior cities have products for sale everywhere, it is super accessible,” Rafaela reports.