
Medicinal Cannabis Treatments
Source: Whiting, P. F., et al. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 1-12.
Chronic Pain Relief
Numerous studies, including a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine, have shown that cannabis can effectively alleviate chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, arthritis, and musculoskeletal pain.
One notable study on the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in treating chronic pain is a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2015.
This comprehensive review examined 79 randomised clinical trials involving over 6,400 participants to evaluate the efficacy of cannabis-based medicines for chronic pain management.
Here are some key findings from the study:
Pain Reduction
The meta-analysis found that cannabis-based medicines were associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity compared to placebo in patients with chronic pain conditions. The overall effect size for pain reduction was moderate, indicating a clinically meaningful improvement in pain symptoms.
Types of Pain
The study included a diverse range of chronic pain conditions, such as neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and cancer-related pain. Cannabis-based medicines demonstrated efficacy across various types of chronic pain, suggesting their potential utility as a treatment option for a wide range of patients.
Adverse Effects
While cannabis-based medicines were generally well-tolerated, the study also evaluated the incidence of adverse effects associated with their use. Common adverse effects included dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. However, serious adverse events were rare.
Limitations
The study acknowledged several limitations, including variations in study design, patient populations, and cannabis formulations across the included trials. Additionally, many of the studies had methodological shortcomings, such as small sample sizes and short duration of follow-up.