1. Lowering blood pressure

A study in 2017 found that CBD lowered the blood pressure of human participants. It reduced their resting blood pressure as well as their blood pressure after stress tests including mental arithmetic, isometric exercise, and the cold pressure test.

2. Reduces inflammation.

CBD has been proven to help reduce inflammation and the neuropathic pain it can cause.

3. Preventing relapse in drug and alcohol addiction.

A 2018 study discovered that CBD can be useful in helping people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction. A preclinical trial with lab rats determined that CBD reduced the stress-induced cravings, anxiety and lack of impulse control that often cause people to relapse.

4. Treating anxiety disorders.

Anxiety is perhaps the most common affliction that people have used CBD for, and a preclinical study found that CBD could be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder

5. Treating gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

A recent study found that CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids can effectively be used to prevent and treat GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and more. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are key to reducing and preventing symptoms.

6. Preventing seizures.

Decades of research have gone into using CBD to treat epilepsy and other seizure syndromes, and a recent study showed it can have positive effects in reducing symptoms and seizure frequency.

7. Fighting cancer.

Not only has CBD been used to help alleviate the effects of chemotherapy, but studies have also found it can prevent cell growth and induce cell death in cervical cancer cell lines and it has numerous anti-cancer effects that can help prevent a variety of cancers, treat tumors, and benefit the immune system.

I personally have not found any concrete scientific evidence or research that cannabis on its own has any health disadvantages. You do see phrases like, “it is thought,” “it's believed”, but I have not found anything personally to back up the “ it is thought”and “it is believed“ comments.

One of the subjects “it is thought” to increase problems with mental health. But again there is no actual evidence or research to confirm this. But there is evidence to say that cannabis can help with stress, anxiety, insomnia, etc. I would suggest that if you suffer from mental health issues to research for yourself before you make any decision on using cannabis for medical use.

There are also comments made regarding lung problems / lung cancer / chronic coughs in people who smoke cannabis. This is possibly due to the habit of mixing tobacco with cannabis. It must be noted however that smoking any substance is harmful to the lungs, throat,etc., but luckily, there are many other ways to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Herbal vaporizers for instance give you the same instant cannabis hit and taste as smoking but without inhaling the harmful toxins. 

Using cannabis for medical reasons in managing RA or any other illnesses is a personal choice. Look into possible side effects Etc. Then look into the side effects and possible health issues in taking prescription medication on a long-term basis, as there is no cure for RA you will be taking these meds for life. This is a decision that only you can make.

I personally am fortunate and suffer from no mental health issues, and have been a smoker for 40 years. I primarily use cannabis to make oils and creams and personally feel that using cannabis to manage my RA has had significant benefits to my health. When using prescription medication on a long-term basis I found the side effects intolerable. I can only truly comment on my own experience of 15 years taking prescription medication against the many years of just using cannabis and diet. I have managed my RA successfully using cannabis and diet and I'm now the healthiest I've ever been.

Whether you're a First Time Cannabis user or a seasoned veteran, knowing which strain for pain relief to choose from can help you get the most out of your experience. Cannabis used for pain has been carefully studied and it has been said to be a better alternative to opioids for pain, here are a few examples.

White Peach Bellini cannabis strain for pain

whether you are looking to get a better night's sleep, pain relief,  White Peach Bellini can help. This popular hybrid strain is known first indica dominant genetic and for its uplifting High. Its name comes from the dense, white, THC rich trichomes. White Peach Bellini has a strong aroma as well as a skunky bouquet. It is also known for its Citrus and peppery flavour. This strain may be best suited for people who have chronic pain or stress. It can also be used to relieve symptoms of depression

Blueberry strains for pain relief

using blueberry cannabis strain for pain relief is an effective way to cope with aches and pains. It's ability to numb pain and relieve inflammation makes it a great remedy for chronic pain, migraines and other physical discomforts. It's blueberry flavour is not a coincidence. The blueberry strain is a sativa dominant hybrid that combines the powerful effects of both the Afghani and Thai strains. The blueberry high is both euphoric and mellow. The blueberry cannabis strain for pain relief is also high in CBD this means that it will reduce the THC effects thereby allowing you to enjoy its medical benefits without suffering from the Psychedelic effects of marijuana. The blueberry High has helped many patients with anxiety, pain and insomnia. A blueberry High is quite different from other marijuana strains it isn't as euphoric, but it is very calming and has a long lasting effect.

Royal Gorilla cannabis strains

whether you are looking for a pain relief cannabis strain or a strain to relax your body and mind Royal Gorilla might be right for you. This is a hybrid strain that is rich and intense flavour. It has been used to treat chronic pain, insomnia, stress and anxiety. Royal Gorilla has been a popular marijuana strain for many years. It's known for its powerful effects and it's high THC content. Royal Gorilla plants are known for their spicy and fruity aromas it's buds have a bright amber hairs and a sticky sweet resin. The plan also admits a pleasant smoke that is a mixture of earthy, Diesel and sweet notes

Now n Later cannabis strains for pain relief

known for its uplifting and sedating effects the Now n Later cannabis strain for pain relief is an excellent choice. It's also good for calming anxiety, depression and insomnia. The plant has a strong aroma of pine and earth. It is easy to grow indoors and Outdoors. It also has a spicy, citrusy taste. The buds are very dense and they form a crystal like coating that team with potency. Now n Later cannabis strain is one of the most popular indicas on the market, it is also one of the fastest acting strains. It has a relaxing effect and produces a powerful body high. The taste of the Now n Later cannabis strain is also a favourite. It is often a combination of sweet and skunky, which makes it a favourite for recreational smokers. This strain also has potential medical benefits. It is one of the best selection of cannabis strains for pain relief, insomnia, anxiety and other issues.