Sir Patrick Stewart has revealed that he uses marijuana every day in order to battle the effects of arthritis.
During his Logan tour, in which the 76-year-old actor has talked about everything from poo emojis to circumcision, Stewart issued a statement supporting the UK’s first initiative to explore the benefits of cannabis-based medicines.
The X-Men legend has admitted that he himself uses cannabis-based ointment, spray and edible marijuana on a daily basis to help with severe arthritis.
He said:
Two years ago, in Los Angeles, I was examined by a doctor and given a note which gave me legal permission to purchase, from a registered outlet, cannabis-based products, which I was advised might help the ortho-arthritis in both my hands.
This, it would seem, is a genetically-based condition. My mother had badly distorted and painful hands. I purchased an ointment, spray and edibles.
The ointment, while providing some relief from the discomfort, was too greasy to use during daytime and so I only use it at night. It helps with sleep as the pain was reduced.
Stewart explained that while using cannabis-based ointment is not suitable for day-use, using medicinal spray is remarkably easy and has ‘significantly reduced’ the stiffness and pain in his hands. He added: “I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment.”
The actor said he has had ‘no negative side effects’ and the alternative would have been to continue taking NSAID’s, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which as Stewart points out, are ‘known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux’.
He continued:
This is an important step forward for Britain in a field of research that has for too long been held back by prejudice, fear and ignorance.
I believe this programme of research might result in benefits for people like myself as well as millions of others.
Stewart’s statement is in support of Oxford University’s £10 million research programme, which will look into the effects of medical marijuana following calls for its legalisation.
In America, 28 states have legalised medicinal marijuana. Of those, eight have legalised marijuana for recreational use.
Will Britain be next?
