Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. For many, existing treatments are ineffective, leaving them with limited options. However, research suggests that cannabis may be a promising solution for neuropathic pain. In this article, we will discuss the evidence that supports the use of cannabis for neuropathic pain, as well as the potential risks and side effects associated with its use. We will also explore the current legal landscape surrounding cannabis use and potential future directions.
What evidence is there to suggest that cannabis can help to relieve neuropathic pain?
Evidence suggests that cannabis can help relieve neuropathic pain through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. In a survey of over 1,500 medical cannabis users, a majority reported that cannabis was effective in reducing pain, including neuropathic pain, and improving quality of life. Additionally, a 2018 systematic review found that cannabis was effective in reducing neuropathic pain in both animal studies and human trials.
How effective is CBD specifically in treating neuropathic pain?
CBD has been found to be effective in treating neuropathic pain in several studies. It is thought to act on the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating the transmission of pain signals. Studies have found that CBD may be effective in reducing inflammation, which can help reduce pain in many cases. Additionally, CBD has been found to reduce levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate, which can help reduce the intensity of neuropathic pain.
Are there any other potential benefits of using cannabis to manage neuropathic pain?
Yes, there are many potential benefits of using cannabis to manage neuropathic pain. Cannabis has been found to reduce inflammation, which can help reduce pain. Cannabis can also act as an effective muscle relaxant and has been known to have anti-anxiety effects, which can help reduce pain levels. Cannabis can also help reduce spasms, which can help reduce the intensity of neuropathic pain. Additionally, cannabis can help reduce nausea, which can help improve quality of life for those with neuropathic pain.
What are the potential side effects of using cannabis to treat neuropathic pain?
The potential side effects of using cannabis to treat neuropathic pain may include dry mouth, increased heart rate, headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Long-term use of cannabis may also result in addiction, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating. It is important to consult a medical professional before using cannabis to ensure it is a safe and effective treatment option.
Are there any contraindications to using cannabis to treat neuropathic pain?
Yes, there are several contraindications to using cannabis to treat neuropathic pain. Individuals with a personal or family history of mental health issues, such as psychosis, should avoid cannabis use. Additionally, those with respiratory conditions, such as COPD, should not use cannabis due to its potential to worsen respiratory symptoms. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid cannabis use due to potential effects on the unborn and newborn child. Lastly, individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction should proceed with caution when using cannabis.
The research intends to lead to a specific recommendation of an optimal deltatetrahydrocannabinol THC cannabidiol CBD dosage for the treatment of neuropathic pain in a particular subgroup of patients. In addition, it contributes to evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis. As a clinical pharmacologist, you extract the proven pharmacological components from a plant and do research with it. The researchers will very accurately measure the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of THC and CBD, the effects of both substances on pain and brain function and how the substances behave in the human body. The Dutch company Echo Pharmaceuticals from Leiden will produce the tablets for the research. The study consists of two parts. The first part of the research will show whether the adverse effects of THC, such as getting high or feeling anxious, can be reduced by administering CBD simultaneously. CBD could have an effect on inflammation, but there is no reason to use CBD as a treatment for inflammatory pain. We already have Ibuprofen for that. It will only become interesting if the adverse effects of THC, such as feelings of anxiety, can be alleviated by administering CBD at the same time. THC 9-tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD cannabidiol are the two most studied active ingredients of the cannabis plant. THC is known for its analgesic effect, but it also causes psychoactive side effects. CBD could lead to pain-relieving effects through other mechanisms. In addition, it is still unclear whether the analgesic effects that some patients experience as a result of CBD use are due to a pharmacological action of CBD, or simply because CBD prevents the metabolism of concomitantly used pain killers. The latter will also be investigated in these studies. The effects on pain in patients will not be investigated until the second part of the study, after the results of the first study are known. The second part of the study will take place among a diverse group of patients with different neuropathic pain conditions. This means that we want to know exactly how the neuropathic pain manifests itself specifically in this group. Do patients have demonstrable nerve damage, do they have a personality disorder, are they depressed, or do they have sleep disorders? All these are variables that we are going to map. Subsequently, the participants in a crossover study will receive placebo for five weeks, and after a wash-out period, they will receive five weeks of cannabinoid treatment or vice versa. Pain will be measured in each treatment period. The first part of the study will start in the spring of , and Groeneveld expects the first results in the summer. The second part of the study with the pain patients will start in the autumn and will last at least two years. Healthy subjects The study consists of two parts. Patients with neuropathic pain conditions The effects on pain in patients will not be investigated until the second part of the study, after the results of the first study are known. A fully standardised product, but with different prices. How come? The important role of pharmacists and medicinal cannabis. Go To. Follow Us. Contact Us. Start typing and press Enter to search.
Jump to navigation. There is a lack of good evidence that any cannabis-derived product works for any chronic neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is pain coming from damaged nerves. It is different from pain messages that are carried along healthy nerves from damaged tissue for example, a fall, or cut, or arthritic knee. Neuropathic pain is treated by different medicines to those used for pain from damaged tissue. Several products based on the cannabis plant have been suggested as treatment for pain, including neuropathic pain. These products include inhaled herbal cannabis, and various sprays or tablets containing active cannabis ingredients obtained from the plant, or made synthetically. Some people with neuropathic pain claim that cannabis-based products are effective for them, and that is often highlighted in the media. Study characteristics. In November we searched for clinical trials that used cannabis products to treat conditions with chronic neuropathic pain in adults. We found 16 studies involving people. Studies lasted 2 to 26 weeks. Studies compared different cannabis-based medicines. Ten studies compared an oromucosal mouth spray with a plant-derived combination of tetrahydrocannabinol THC , the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, and cannabidiol CBD , an anti-inflammatory ingredient of cannabis, against a fake medication placebo. Two studies each compared inhaled herbal cannabis and cannabis plant-derived THC with placebo, and one study compared a man-made cannabinoid mimicking the effects of THC nabilone with placebo. One study compared nabilone with a pain killer dihydrocodeine. We rated the quality of the evidence from studies using four levels very low, low, moderate, or high.