Chasing Life – What to Know Before Trying Cannabis for Arthritis Pain

Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Producer: Jennifer
Date: February 3, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers listener questions about alternative approaches to managing chronic pain and neurological conditions, focusing primarily on whether cannabis compounds (THC and CBD) can help with arthritis pain. The segment explores the evidence, safety considerations, and practical advice for those considering microdosing. The episode also briefly covers recent advances in lifestyle interventions for Alzheimer’s disease.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Listener Question: Microdosing THC and CBD for Arthritis

(Listener: Jean from Illinois) – [00:23]

• Jean’s Question:
  “I have arthritis in my right hip and lower back. It often flares up at night and affects my sleep. Will microdosing CBD and THC help, and is it safe?”

Dr. Gupta’s Response

• Impact of Arthritis:
  “Arthritis can be awful. It messes with your day, your routines, especially your sleep. And we know that when your sleep is off, pain then feels even worse. It’s a bi-directional relationship. It’s an awful cycle.” [02:18]

• Why People Turn to Cannabis:
  Many seek out cannabis, specifically THC and CBD, when traditional medications don’t work. Studies indicate about a third of people find THC/CBD effective for pain relief, inflammation, and sleep.

• Limitations and Individual Differences:
  “It doesn’t seem to work for everyone. That is why people get into this sort of trial-and-error phase.” [02:48]

2. Legal and Safety Caveats

[03:12]

• Legal Status:
  Cannabis is legal in some US states but remains federally classified as a Schedule 1 substance (though reclassification may be coming).

• Definition of Microdosing:
  The term "microdosing" can be vague and subjective.

  “What one person considers to be a, quote, microdose might be way too much for someone else. In fact, even half of what someone might consider a microdose might still be too much for someone else. It’s really tricky.” – Dr. Sanjay Gupta [04:32]

3. Expert Insight: Dr. Staci Gruber

[03:58]

• Dr. Gruber’s Credentials:
  Runs the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) program at McLean Hospital, Massachusetts.

• Standard Dose vs. Microdose:

  “A standard dose of THC, the primary intoxicating compound of cannabis, is typically 5 milligrams. Some may consider anything less than that a microdose. But in fact, for many, even half of that may be too much.” – Dr. Staci Gruber (paraphrased by Dr. Gupta) [04:19]

• “Start Low and Go Slow”:
  Begin with less than a quarter of a standard dose, especially for edibles, which may have delayed and variable absorption.

• Stacking and Biphasic Effects:
  Be wary of "stacking" doses because edibles can take hours to take effect; a second, unexpected high can occur when the liver processes the cannabinoids.

4. Special Considerations for Older Adults

[05:36]

• Slower Metabolism:
  “Older adults have a slower metabolism, so age is also a factor that comes into play. The high may come later and it may come higher as a result of that change in metabolism.”

• Drug Interactions:
  Both CBD and THC can interact with prescription medications (e.g., blood thinners), potentially increasing or decreasing their blood levels.

  “You want to be thoughtful and you really want to understand what you’re taking, even if it’s something that’s not prescribed to you by a doctor.” – Dr. Sanjay Gupta [07:10]

5. Practical Advice & Key Takeaways

[06:43]

• Microdosing Checklist:

  • Start with a very low dose—quarter of a standard dose or less.
  • Preferably consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Check interactions with your current medications.
  • Wait at least several hours before increasing a dose if using edibles.

• Effectiveness:
  For some, cannabis compounds help with arthritis pain and sleep, but results vary; trial and error is common.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pain & Sleep:
  “When your sleep is off, pain then feels even worse. … Bi-directional relationship. It’s an awful cycle.” – Dr. Sanjay Gupta [02:20]

• Dr. Gruber on Dosing:
  “What one person considers to be a microdose might be way too much for someone else.” [04:32]

• On Drug Interactions:
  “You wouldn’t want to increase the level of a blood thinner, for example. … Check for possible drug interactions ahead of time.” – Dr. Sanjay Gupta [06:10]

• On Empowerment:
  “I think it’s great that there are a lot of options out there for managing pain, but you want to be thoughtful.” – Dr. Sanjay Gupta [07:10]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:23 – Listener Jean asks about microdosing CBD and THC for arthritis
• 02:18 – Impact of chronic pain on sleep; why people seek alternatives
• 03:12 – Legal status and caveats regarding cannabis
• 03:58 – Dr. Staci Gruber explains microdosing and dose variability
• 04:32 – Importance of “start low, go slow” with dosing
• 06:10 – Drug interactions and other safety considerations
• 07:10 – Final advice and caveats for cannabis use

Bonus Segment: Alzheimer’s Disease Lifestyle Trial

[08:36]

• Listener Heather asks about a study using vegan diet, socialization, meditation, and exercise for Alzheimer’s.
• Dr. Gupta reviews the "Last Alzheimer's Patient" documentary and Dr. Dean Ornish’s 20-week trial:
  • A vegan, whole-food diet, exercise, stress reduction, and social support showed cognitive improvement in some participants.
  • Update: After 40 weeks, the treatment group’s improvements were sustained; control group saw reversal after crossover intervention.

    • “In brief, we found there was on average even more improvement after 40 weeks than after 20 weeks. … The control group, which got worse overall during that first 20 weeks, crossed over. We gave them the same lifestyle intervention and they started to get better.” – Dr. Dean Ornish [14:23]

• Implication: While not everyone improved, the non-pharmacologic intervention showed promise, with “no side effects except for good ones.” [14:44]

Summary: Main Takeaways

• Microdosing THC/CBD might help a subset of people with arthritis pain and sleep issues—but start low, be patient, and consult your doctor, especially about interactions and age-related risks.
• Clinical research is ongoing, effects are highly individualized, and safety should come first.
• Lifestyle approaches may offer promise not just for arthritis, but for neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s, with recent research emphasizing the power of diet, movement, stress control, and social connection.

For further questions or to share your experience, listeners are invited to contact the show.