My neighbor has a medical license for MJ and grows his in the open. He has a back disability from his time in the service and it kills the pain and he never exhibits evidence of being "high".
People in chronic pain will try anything to ease it, hopefully you will never be in that condition but if you are don't be surprised if you try puffing on a joint, or taking it internally, in order to kill the pain for a while.
I’ve got arthritis but I’m also tough enough to deal with it. Getting old isn’t for sissies. Besides, I’ve got a job so I can’t be out there walking around high all the time.
I have osteoarthritis in my back, and the only thing I ever do for the pain is exercise. I find that keeping the muscles around the arthritic joint toned is far better than any chemical pain killer. Other than the exercise, I'm careful how I pick things up and how I sit.