The Role of Cannabis in Pain Management: What the Science Says
Sep 25, 2024
Cannabis for pain relief is a topic that sparks a lot of interest. People talk about it, recommend it, and some even swear by it. But what does the science say? Can cannabis really help ease chronic pain?
Many individuals claim that cannabis has made a big difference in their lives, particularly for pain management. In fact, the use of cannabis for pain relief among older adults has skyrocketed—an eightfold increase recently!
But while personal stories are persuasive, the scientific community is still catching up. There’s research out there, but it’s a mixed bag, with much still left to understand.
Can Cannabis Help Relieve Pain?
Staci Gruber, a prominent researcher from Harvard's McLean Hospital, points out that "Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years," but admits there's still a lot we don't know about how it works. Pain management, however, is an area where both science and personal experience often align.
Cannabis 101: A Quick Rundown
Cannabis comes from two main plant types: hemp and marijuana. They belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa, but differ in their chemical makeup. The two main compounds in cannabis are THC (the one responsible for the 'high') and CBD (which doesn’t have intoxicating effects).
Marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC, making it the more potent option for psychoactive effects.
Hemp, on the other hand, is loaded with CBD and is widely used for non-psychoactive products.
What Does the Science Say?
When cannabis is inhaled or ingested, THC and CBD bind to specific receptors in the brain and nerve cells, slowing pain signals and offering relief. Some researchers also believe cannabis has anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain its benefits for chronic pain sufferers.
In 2017, a comprehensive review of over 10,000 studies by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that cannabis could be an effective treatment for certain types of pain.
However, most studies lacked the rigorous design needed for conclusive results. The gold standard—double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials—are still too few in this area.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reviewed 20 randomised trials and found that a placebo was as effective as cannabis for pain relief. While this doesn't completely discredit the use of cannabis, it does highlight the complex role of perception and expectation.
Is Cannabis Right for Your Pain?
If you’re considering cannabis for pain relief, it’s important to think about what type of pain you're dealing with and what you expect to gain from its use. According to Gruber, cannabis can help with pain, but it's not a miracle cure.
It won't work for everyone, and it doesn’t address the root cause of pain—it simply helps manage the symptoms. Unlike conventional meds, doctors can’t prescribe cannabis, but in many states, they can recommend its use for certain conditions, including pain.
This recommendation allows patients to legally purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries. If you're in a state where cannabis is recreationally legal, you can even buy it without a doctor’s recommendation.
Different Forms, Different Experiences
Cannabis comes in many forms—each with its own pros and cons:
Smoking: The fastest way to feel the effects, but not ideal for everyone, especially those with lung issues.
Edibles: Cannabis-infused brownies or gummies offer a smoke-free alternative but take longer to kick in.
Topicals: Creams and patches can provide targeted relief without affecting your whole body.
Oils and tinctures: Dropped under the tongue for quick absorption.
How often you use it is up to you. Some people take cannabis daily to manage their pain, while others only use it during flare-ups.
THC vs. CBD: Which is Better?
For those who want the pain-relief benefits without getting high, there are CBD-dominant products that have little to no THC. While the research on CBD alone is still developing, many believe it offers significant therapeutic effects for pain without the side effects associated with THC.
However, be cautious when buying over-the-counter CBD products. Because the FDA has yet to regulate the industry fully, it’s hard to know what you’re getting. Some products might not even contain the amount of CBD listed on the label, and others could include unwanted ingredients.
The Future of Cannabis and Pain Management
Cannabis has a long history in medicine, but there’s still a lot to learn about its true potential for pain relief. As more research emerges and regulations evolve, we’ll likely see better-designed studies and more targeted treatments.
For now, if you’re considering cannabis for pain, it’s best to consult your doctor. Together, you can weigh the pros and cons and find a form that works for you while minimising side effects. Cannabis might not be the answer for everyone, but for some, it could be revolutionary.