“Logan” co-star Patrick Stewart has revealed that he uses medical marijuana to help manage the symptoms of arthritis in his hands.
In a statement released to support a cannabis-medicine study at Oxford University, Stewart, 76, said that he uses cannabis-based spray and ointments every day. The distinguished actor, who was knighted in 2010, rose to stardom in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and has played Charles Xavier in six “X-Men” films.
In the statement he revealed that a Los Angeles doctor had examined him two years ago and recommended cannabis-based products to help with ortho-arthritis in both of his hands. Stewart’s mother had the same affliction; it is believed to have a genetic component.
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart poses for photographers with his Legend award at the Empire Film Awards in London, Sunday, March 19, 2017. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
The ointment, he said, provided some relief, but was too greasy for daytime use, while he worked. Instead, Stewart said, he would use it at night, when the pain relief would help him sleep. He said he uses the spray several times a day, saying it gives his hands a slight tingling sensation, “which is not unpleasant.”
Stewart noted that the cannabis products were an alternative to standard over-the-counter painkillers like Advil and Naproxen, which can cause liver damage and acid reflux disease.
Here’s the full statement:
“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. The spray, however, is much more usable and I spray my fingers and particularly my thumb joints several times a day.
“The spray very quickly evaporates and leaves my hands quite dry, though with a slight burning or tingling sensation, which is not unpleasant. I believe that the ointment and spray have significantly reduced the stiffness and pain in my hands.
“I can make fists, which was not the case before I began this treatment.
“I have had no negative side effects from this treatment and the alternative would have been to continue taking NSAID’s, Advil, Aleve and Naproxen, which are known to be harsh on the liver and to cause acid reflux. 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.
H/T to AV Club
