London, March 16 (IANS): Actor Patrick Stewart has revealed that he uses medical marijuana daily to help him deal with symptoms of arthritis.

The veteran actor, 76, made the admission as he threw his support behind a Britain-first research initiative by Oxford University which aims to explore the benefits of cannabis-based medicines, reports dailymail.co.uk. 

The "X-Men" star said in a statement that he uses an ointment, spray and edible marijuana medicine to help him with his condition.

He said: "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."