Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. Patients with chronic pain can experience a wide range of symptoms, including long-lasting pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and reduced health-related quality of life.
Licensed treatments don’t always provide sufficient relief, leading many to explore alternative options like medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis and Chronic Pain
Studies, including data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, have shown promising results on medical cannabis and chronic pain. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicines can vary from person to person.
A recent retrospective study explored how different factors might influence the effectiveness of medical cannabis for chronic pain. The study used data from a medical cannabis tracking app, Strainprint, to understand how people were using cannabis and what kind of effects they were experiencing.
Key Findings from the Study
The study looked at data from people in Canada who used cannabis for muscle, joint, or nerve pain between February 2017 to November 2020. This included data on 741 individuals across 83,622 Stainprint sessions. Here are some of the key findings:
- Types of Pain: The most common reason for cannabis use was joint pain (41%), followed by muscle pain (40%), and nerve pain (19%).
- How Cannabis Was Used: Many people inhaled cannabis by vaporising (45%) or smoking (32%), while others used cannabis oils or edibles (22%). It is important to note that in Canada it is legal to smoke a medical cannabis prescription, unlike the UK.
- Different Cannabis Products: The study found that people used a variety of cannabis products with different levels of THC and CBD, the main active compounds in cannabis.
- Change in Pain: Participants reported changes in pain after using cannabis.
- Factors Affecting Changes: The study found that several factors, including gender and the type of cannabis product used, might influence how much pain relief someone experiences.
What These Findings Mean
This study provides further evidence of the effects of medical cannabis in individuals experiencing chronic pain. However, it’s important to remember that this was an observational study, and more research is needed to confirm these findings before it may be recommended as a first-line treatment.
The study also highlights that people use cannabis in different ways and that different factors can affect their experience. This underscores the importance of personalised treatment plans when considering medical cannabis for chronic pain in eligible patients.
At Curaleaf Clinic, we understand that every patient is unique and responds differently to medical cannabis. That’s why we utilise data from the UK Medical Cannabis Registry to inform our personalised care plans. This valuable resource helps us understand how different patients respond to various cannabis-based medicines, allowing us to tailor treatment approaches based on individual needs and characteristics.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that most medical cannabis products in the UK are unlicensed and their efficacy and safety for chronic pain need to be further confirmed through robust clinical trials. Individual responses to treatment can vary, and it’s crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional before considering medical cannabis for any health condition.