Cannabis and Chronic Pain: Exploring the Evidence for its Effectiveness

Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, with references to its pain-relieving properties dating back to ancient China and India. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of cannabis for chronic pain, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on quality of life. In this article, we will explore the evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis in treating chronic pain, including the types of pain for which it may be most beneficial, the potential risks and side effects, and the legal and ethical considerations of using cannabis as a treatment option.

Cannabis use for the treatment of chronic pain

Types of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, inflammation, nerve damage, and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression. Some of the most common types of chronic pain include:

Neuropathic pain: Caused by damage to the nerves, often as a result of injury or disease.

Inflammatory pain: Caused by inflammation in the body, such as that associated with rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

Mechanical pain: Caused by injury or damage to the musculoskeletal system, such as back pain or joint pain.

Central pain: Caused by damage to the central nervous system, such as that associated with multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury.

Current Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

Current treatments for chronic pain often include a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. However, these treatments are not always effective, and they can also come with a range of side effects and risks. For example, opioid painkillers such as morphine and oxycodone can be highly effective at reducing pain, but they also carry a high risk of addiction and overdose. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can also be effective, but they can cause stomach bleeding and other gastrointestinal side effects.

The Evidence for Cannabis as a Treatment for Chronic Pain

Cannabis contains a number of compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, that have been found to have potential therapeutic benefits. The two most well-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), although there are many others that are still being studied. THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and it is responsible for the "high" that is associated with recreational use of the drug. However, THC also has pain-relieving properties, and it has been found to be effective in treating neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, and central pain.

CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. While CBD alone may not be as effective as THC for pain relief, it may be useful in combination with other cannabinoids and terpenes.

A number of studies have been conducted on the use of cannabis for chronic pain, with varying results. One systematic review of 28 randomized controlled trials found that cannabis-based products were effective in reducing chronic neuropathic pain, although the quality of the evidence was low. Another systematic review of 45 studies found that cannabis-based products were effective in treating chronic pain in general, although the evidence was also of low to moderate quality.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Cannabis Use for Chronic Pain

While cannabis may be effective in treating chronic pain, it is important to consider the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. These can include:

Psychotropic effects: THC can cause feelings of euphoria and altered perception, which may be undesirable for some patients.

Cognitive impairment: THC can also impair cognitive function, which may affect driving and other activities that require concentration.

Addiction: While the risk of addiction to cannabis is lower than that of opioids, it is still possible to develop a dependence on the drug.

Respiratory problems: Smoking cannabis can cause respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and lung infections.

Interaction with other medications: Cannabis can interact with other medications, including opioids and benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is legal in a growing number of countries and states, although the regulations can vary widely. In some places, only certain forms of cannabis are allowed (such as CBD oil), while in others, patients may be able to access cannabis flower or other products that contain higher levels of THC. It is important to research the laws and regulations in your area before considering cannabis as a treatment option.

There are also ethical considerations to take into account when using cannabis for chronic pain. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of using a drug that has been stigmatized and criminalized for so long, while others may be concerned about the environmental and social impacts of the cannabis industry. It is important to have open and honest conversations with healthcare providers and loved ones about the benefits and risks of using cannabis for chronic pain, as well as any ethical concerns that may arise.

Conclusion

While the evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis in treating chronic pain is still emerging, there is growing interest in its potential as a treatment option. The different types of pain that cannabis may be most effective in treating, the potential risks and side effects, and the legal and ethical considerations of using cannabis as a treatment option must all be carefully considered. As with any medical treatment, it is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if cannabis is a safe and effective option for managing chronic pain.

References:

Hill KP. Medical marijuana for treatment of chronic pain and other medical and psychiatric problems: a clinical review. JAMA. 2015 Jun 23;313(24):2474-83.

Mücke M, Phillips T, Radbruch L, Petzke F, Häuser W. Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Mar 7;3(3):CD012182.

Stockings E, Campbell G, Hall WD, Nielsen S, Zagic D, Rahman R, Murnion B, Farrell M, Weier M, Degenhardt L. Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of people with chronic noncancer pain conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled and observational studies. Pain. 2018 Apr;159(10):1932-54.

Medical Disclaimer

Nadarra Health Pty Ltd, a medicinal cannabis company, is committed to providing high-quality medicinal cannabis products to patients in need. However, it is important to note that the use of medicinal cannabis should be done under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

Our medicinal cannabis products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on our website and through our customer support team is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

It is important to discuss the use of medicinal cannabis with a qualified medical professional before starting treatment. Medicinal cannabis can interact with other medications, and its use may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and side effects associated with the use of medicinal cannabis.

Nadarra Health is committed to providing accurate and up-to-date information about medicinal cannabis and its use. However, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any medicinal cannabis products.

By using our medicinal cannabis products, patients acknowledge that they have read, understood and agreed to the terms of this medical disclaimer.