Chronic pain is one of the common reasons patients ask healthcare practitioners about medicinal cannabis. Research is continuing, but current evidence suggests cannabis-based medicines may help some people with certain types of chronic pain, while benefits and side effects vary between patients.
How Might Medicinal Cannabis Help?
Medicinal cannabis products may contain CBD, THC or both. These compounds interact with systems in the body involved in pain and other functions.
Research has particularly examined cannabis-based medicines for conditions including neuropathic or nerve-related pain.
However, medicinal cannabis is not considered a guaranteed treatment for chronic pain.
What Does the Research Show?
Clinical studies have reported modest improvements in pain for some patients, but results are mixed. Differences in products, THC and CBD concentrations, dosage and the types of pain studied make direct comparisons difficult.
More high-quality research is still needed to understand which patients are most likely to benefit.
What About Side Effects?
Depending on the product and dose, possible side effects can include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Changes in concentration
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
THC-containing medicines can also cause impairment and may affect driving.
Discuss Your Pain Treatment
Medicinal cannabis should be considered as part of an individual’s overall treatment plan rather than replacing other medicines or therapies without medical advice.
A healthcare practitioner can review your condition, existing medicines and previous treatments before discussing whether medicinal cannabis may be appropriate.
Important: This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice.
