Ep 115: CBD and Cannabis in 2025: Where are We Now?
AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 115
Air Date: November 2nd 2025
This episode is a 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.
Cannabis has come a long way since we last covered it in 2020. With more patients using CBD and medical cannabis to help manage chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep issues, it is time for an important update. In this episode, AiArthritis Health Education Manager Leila P. L. Valete is joined by co-hosts and patient advocates Eileen Davidson and Bridget Seritt for a real conversation about what has changed, what we still need to learn, and what patients should know before trying cannabis for autoimmune and autoinflammatory arthritis.
The hosts explore how research, attitudes, and medical discussions around cannabis have evolved. They share their own experiences using CBD and cannabis, discuss new findings from rheumatology research, and highlight the ongoing need for better access, safety education, and provider awareness. The conversation also looks at how stigma is shifting as more patients and clinicians see cannabis as a legitimate part of symptom management rather than a last resort.
Whether you’re new to the topic or already using cannabis as part of your treatment, this episode offers clear guidance, personal insight, and a thoughtful look at its role in patient care.
Episode Highlights:
● How conversations around cannabis and CBD have evolved since 2020
● What new research says about its role in managing pain, sleep, and mental health
● Patient experiences using cannabis alongside traditional treatments
● Benefits, risks, and the ongoing debate around medical versus self-directed use
● How access, education, and stigma continue to shape patient choices
Participate in Patient Experience Survey: https://bit.ly/PatientWhy
Have questions about this episode or topics you want to hear us bring to the table? Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org
Donate to Support the Show: www.aiarthritis.org/donate
AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at
www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on
Feedspot!
Follow AiArthritis on all social media platforms
Who is at the table?
Leila
is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus and Sjögren’s disease.
Eileen Davidson is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate from Vancouver Canada and The Educational Media Assistant.
Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt founded a patient based organization that advocates for access to compassionate care and provides community support.
All our main 1st Sunday of the month episodes are either an initial "put the topic on the table" episode (Step 2 in our organization's 6-step problem solving process) or a "revisit to the table" episode (Step 6 in our organization's 6-step process), where we build on a past show because we have moved forward in developing help, tools, or projects around the issue (Step 5 in our organization's 6-step process).
After each show airs we spin off the conversation into many discussions over various formats, which we now call #360its.
Your Co-Hosts: Who is at the Table this Episode?
Leila P. L.Valete
Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus and Sjögren’s disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them.
Connect with Leila:
Tiktok: @Lupuslifestyle.lei
Eileen Davidson
Eileen Davidson is a rheumatoid arthritis patient advocate from Vancouver Canada. She volunteers with the Arthritis Research Canada patient advisory board and the Canadian Institute of Health Research - Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis patient engagement research ambassador, among others. When not advocating she is writing about her experience with arthritis through Creaky Joints, Healthline, Chronic Eileen or can be found being a mom to her son Jacob.
Connect with Eileen:
Instagram: @ChronicEileen
Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt
Bridget Dandaraw-Seritt founded a patient based organization that advocates for access to
compassionate care and provides community support. She’s a published author on therapeutic
cannabis, presents at medical conferences, and is engaged in the policy making process.
Connect with Bridget:
Facebook: Advocates for Compassionate Therapy Now
Pull up your seat at the table
Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!
What do you think about this episode?
We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.
We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)
Relevant Episodes & Projects
Love the show? Help us make sure we stay on the air by making a donation.
Your contribution helps us continue the work we do every day to improve the lives of millions worldwide.