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

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/pilot-cross-sectional-study-assessing-the-correlation-between-marijuana-use/
> **Published:** 2026-04-28T22:02:51-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T16:05:29-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Cannabis use is increasing among patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, often for symptom relief; however, its impact on disease activity remains uncle...

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CED Clinical Relevance  #56Monitored Relevance  Early-stage or contextual signal requiring further evidence before action.
🔬 Evidence Watch  |  CED Clinic

Journal
Southern medical journal

Study Type
Pilot Study

Population
Human participants

Why This Matters

This item covers developments relevant to [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) and [clinical practice](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-reproductive-health-women-clinical-evidence/). Clinicians monitoring evidence in this area should review the source material.

Clinical Summary
[Cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) 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](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) 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](https://cedclinic.com/tennessee-medical-cannabis-program-debate-2026/) 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](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-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% o

Dr. Caplan’s Take

“This is a development worth tracking. The clinical implications will become clearer as more evidence accumulates.”

Clinical Perspective
🧠 Clinicians should review this item in the context of their current practice and patient population.

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📰 Source: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41999642/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41999642/)

## FAQ

### How was the rheumatology cannabis pilot study conducted?

It was a cross-sectional study at a university-based rheumatology clinic in a U.S. state where medical and [recreational cannabis](https://cedclinic.com/tennessee-medical-cannabis-program-debate-2026/) is legal. The 85 participants completed structured interviews about cannabis use, flare characteristics, and patient-reported outcomes. Researchers also collected demographics, comorbidities, [substance use](https://cedclinic.com/stroke-risk-assessment-substance-use/), and inflammatory markers.

### Who took part in the rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cannabis study?

Participants were adults aged 18 or older with confirmed rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or both, who had received disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy for at least 3 months. Among the 85 participants, the mean age was 54 and 89.4% were female. In all, 74.1% had rheumatoid arthritis, 17.6% had SLE, and 8.2% had both.

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### Related

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### 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).