# Rheumatologists’ Confidence in Cannabinoids for Rheumatic Complaints > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-rheumatic-diseases-knowledge-gaps-care/ > **Published:** 2022-05-17T16:03:52-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:37-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the knowledge gaps among rheumatologists regarding cannabinoids and rheumatic diseases and the need for clinical guidance and trials. --- Arthritis pain is reported as one of the most common reasons people seek usage of medical herbal cannabis in North America. In Canada, where cannabis remains a controlled substance, continued advocacy has led to recent changes in regulations that will require healthcare professionals to prescribe herbal cannabis similarly to other prescription drugs. However, according to a survey of Canadian rheumatologists, over ⅔ of the respondents lacked confidence in their knowledge of the roles that human’s [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) plays in health and disease, and the number was ¾ for knowledge of cannabis and cannabinoids – biologically active compounds either derived from cannabis (for eg: THC, CBD) or synthesized pharmaceutically. Almost half (45%) of the surveyed rheumatologists believed there was no current role for cannabinoids in rheumatology patient care. Consequently, 70% had never previously recommended any form of cannabinoid treatment for patients and 60% would not propose [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) of neither synthetic cannabinoids nor herbal cannabis. Common concerns leading to such reservation included risks of drug abuse or addiction and mental health issues. Even among physicians who believed in the therapeutic benefit of cannabis and cannabinoids and would suggest them, many were uncertain about dosing and methods of administration, mostly because of the scarcity of [clinical research](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-based-therapies-smoking-cessation/) and guidelines. Evidence from basic science research supporting the role of the [endocannabinoid system](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-fear-extinction/) in modulating pain and inflammation, as well as of cannabinoid molecules in relieving symptoms of rheumatic diseases has accumulated rapidly over the past decade. However, findings from the above survey highlight the need for more [clinical trials](https://cedclinic.com/endocannabinoid-system-emotional-memory-ptsd-treatment/) in rheumatic patients, as well as guidance to inform rheumatologists on evidence regarding the therapeutic potentials and applications of herbal cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids. At CED Clinic, we pride ourselves in the efforts that we take to stay at the bleeding edge of research of [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/). If you have questions about [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) and how it may be applied to your current treatment of rheumatic diseases, please contact our clinic today! [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Cannabinoid Treatments in the Rheumatic Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-treatments-rheumatic-diseases-efficacy-safety/) A comprehensive review of clinical trials assessing cannabinoid treatments in rheumatic diseases, highlighting efficacy and safety profiles. [Read the Review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-treatments-rheumatic-diseases-efficacy-safety/) [Natural Neuroprotection: Exploring the Potential of Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids](https://cedclinic.com/non-psychoactive-cannabinoids-neuroprotection-potential/) Explore the therapeutic potential of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in neuroprotection and their implications for chronic disease management. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/non-psychoactive-cannabinoids-neuroprotection-potential/) [Endocannabinoid System Research: Cannabis Mental Health Care](https://cedclinic.com/clinical-trial-cannabis-mental-health-research/) Insights into the endocannabinoid system’s role in mental health and how [cannabis-based therapies](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoids-inhibit-keratinocyte-proliferation-non-cb1-cb2/) may support patient care. [Discover Insights](https://cedclinic.com/clinical-trial-cannabis-mental-health-research/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Rheumatologists%E2%80%99%20Confidence%20in%20Cannabinoids%20for%20Rheumatic%20Complaints&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-rheumatic-diseases-knowledge-gaps-care%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-rheumatic-diseases-knowledge-gaps-care%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Rheumatologists%E2%80%99%20Confidence%20in%20Cannabinoids%20for%20Rheumatic%20Complaints%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinoids-rheumatic-diseases-knowledge-gaps-care%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).