CANNABIS-BASED products with higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-to-cannabidiol (CBD) ratios may provide small short-term improvements in pain and function, especially for those with nerve pain, according to a systematic review of trials involving more than 2,300 adults with chronic pain.
However, the researchers noted these products are also associated with increased risks of common adverse events, while those with a low THC-to-CBD ratio, including CBD-only formulations, did not appear to be helpful.
The team analysed 25 short-term placebo-controlled randomised trials of cannabis products to update previous evidence about the effectiveness and harms of cannabis-based products for treating chronic pain.
Cannabinoids were categorised by the ratio of THC to CBD (high, comparable, low); whether the product was synthetic, purified, or extracted from a plant; and administration method (oral, oromucosal, topical) and assessed how well they reduced pain, improved function and whether there were any adverse events.
The data showed that oral THC-only products probably slightly reduce pain severity, with the cannabinoids nabilone demonstrating a moderate effect and dronabinol showing no or only minimal effect.
Nabiximols slightly reduced pain severity and had no meaningful effect on function.
On the flip side, high THC products were linked to moderate-to-large increases in adverse events including dizziness, sedation and nausea.
Reviewers noted that the inconsistent study results and safety concerns underscore the need for more research on long-term outcomes and other cannabis product types.
Read the paper HERE.
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