Patrick Stewart reveals how he copes with symptoms of his arthritis

Patrick Stewart has revealed how he copes with symptoms of his arthritis.

The 76-year old X-Men and Star Trek star said he used medical marijuana daily, with an ointment, spray and edible versions, according to the Daily Mail.

The Daily Mail also reported he buys the medicine legally in the US to soothe his painful hands, a condition he inherited from his mother.

His statements are reported to be backing research into cannabis-based medicine by Oxford University.

“My mother had badly distorted and painful hands,” Patrick said in the article.

“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.”

It was two years ago Patrick, pictured below with X-Men co-star Hugh Jackman, was examined by a doctor and given legal permission to make the purchase from a registered outlet.

Speaking to Esquire last month Patrick spoke about the problem he has with his hands.

“My main problem is my hands don’t work very well.

“But thanks to cannabis they work much better than they used to.

“Thanks to the law in California now, it’s just a spray that I put on.”

Twenty-eight states in the US have legalised marijuana for medical use.

In eight of those recreational use is also legal.

Technically, medical marijuana is now legal in Australia.

It is up to each state to regulate how patients can access it.

Do you think more people should have access to medical marijuana?