The claimWhat Patrick actually said
In March 2017, Stewart disclosed that for about two years he had been applying a prescribed cannabis ointment at night and a spray to his fingers and thumb joints several times a day for arthritis in his hands. He made the statement in support of an Oxford University research programme into medical cannabis, and said he had experienced no negative side effects. He described it as his own experience and set it against long-term use of NSAIDs, not as advice to anyone else.
- foxnews.com: Patrick Stewart in their own words
- Vela J, Pain, 2022, randomised placebo-controlled trial of cannabidiol found no pain reduction in hand osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis
- Mücke M, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018, cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain showed small benefits offset by adverse events, evidence graded low quality
- Walitt B, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2016, found no convincing evidence that cannabinoids benefit people with fibromyalgia
Why it mattersWhy this matters for longevity
Hand arthritis limits grip, and grip is one of the most reliable everyday markers of independence as people age
Cannabis products are widely marketed for joint pain, so the gap between personal reports and trial results is worth naming
Stewart's stated alternative, long-term daily NSAIDs, carries its own gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular risks, so the comparison is not against nothing
The evidenceWhat the science says
Cannabis-based medicines have been tested most thoroughly in chronic neuropathic pain, where a Cochrane review found small benefits for pain relief that were offset by nervous system and psychiatric side effects, with the evidence graded low quality. A Cochrane review of cannabinoids in fibromyalgia found no convincing benefit at all.
The evidence does not support cannabis topicals for arthritic hand pain specifically. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral cannabidiol in hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis found no difference from placebo on pain intensity. No trial has shown that a topical cannabis preparation restores hand function or grip, and nothing here supports a claim that it changes the underlying joint disease.
TakeawayThe honest takeaway
The practical lesson
If hand stiffness is limiting you, the interventions with the strongest track record remain hand exercise, grip work, and a conversation with a clinician about pain control options and their trade-offs.
RelatedRelated habits
Each of these is a habit you can build on its own. Explore them through the Topics index.
SupplementsThe supplement angle: Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids
Support a habit, do not replace one
Both are commonly taken for joint discomfort, and the trial results are modest and inconsistent rather than decisive. Cannabidiol products vary widely in actual content and can interact with other medicines, so anything of this kind is worth raising with a pharmacist or doctor first.
Supplements can support good habits. They do not replace sleep, movement, nutrition, or medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting anything new.
This is educational commentary, not medical advice, and does not imply that Patrick Stewart endorses, is affiliated with, or uses Winning Longevity or any product. We critique the claim and the evidence, not the person. Any direct quote is a placeholder until sourced. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider before changing your routine. See our health disclaimer.
