Cannabis products reduce chronic pain in the short term. But studies demonstrating these clinical benefits are lacking in the scientific literature.
- Researchers find little evidence of the clinical benefits of cannabis on pain.
- One in five people worldwide suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain.
Very little scientific research despite the buzz, this is the conclusion of an American study on the clinical effects of medical cannabis published yesterday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
Indeed, while a number of states in the United States have legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes and many patients are relieved in particular by CBD, one of the molecules extracted from cannabis, with recognized benefits at the level of the nervous system and for its anti-inflammatory effect, scientists have found that many products currently available in American dispensaries have not been well studied.
Affect pain sensation
The effects of cannabis and related products are based on their ability to mimic the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of receptors and enzymes in the nervous system that regulate bodily functions and can affect pain sensation.
The researchers searched over 3,000 studies in the scientific literature as of January this year and found a total of 25 with scientifically valid evidence – 18 randomized controlled studies and seven observational studies lasting at least four weeks. .
Effectiveness of medical cannabis
According to them, evidence exists for the effectiveness of medical cannabis in the treatment of neuropathic pain – caused by damage to peripheral nerves, such as diabetic neuropathy which results in pain described as burning and tingling – involving two products FDA-approved synthetics containing 100% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC: dronabinol (under the trade name Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet).
Both of these products, however, have notable side effects, including sedation and dizziness, according to the study.
Another product, a sublingual spray composed of equal parts THC and cannabidiol, or CBD, extracted from the cannabis plant, known as nabiximols, has also shown evidence of some clinical benefit for neuropathic pain, although this product is not available in the United States.
This product also led to side effects, such as nausea, sedation, and dizziness
Chemical composition
But the researchers regret a lack of scientific literature.
“For some cannabis products, such as whole-plant products, data are sparse, estimates of effect are imprecise, and the studies have methodological limitations,” the authors write.
And this situation makes it difficult to refer patients.
“Cannabis products vary widely in chemical composition, which could have important effects in terms of benefit and harm for patients,” said co-author Roger Chou, director of Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center at Oregon Health & Science University.
“This makes it difficult for patients and clinicians since the evidence for one cannabis product may not be the same for another.”
While waiting for more evidence, they recommend seeking advice from your doctor about possible treatments for chronic pain.
