Cannabinoids and Pain Management: an Insight into Recent Advancements

Abstract

This review discusses the recent advancements in research on Cannabinoids’ role in pain, including its use in cancer pain, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, headache, visceral pain, postoperative and failed back pain management, and concurrent use with opioids. Current research suggests that a potential role exists for medical cannabis in pain management, although research shows varied effectiveness by the type of pain. Moreover, its coadministration with opioids may result in reduced opioid requirements. Patients with neuropathic pain, cancer pain, and migraine headache may benefit from the analgesic effects of a cannabis-based medicine (CBM), but not necessarily patients with chronic abdominal pain. Equivocal results were shown in fibromyalgia and postoperative orthopedic pain. Interestingly, the opioid-sparing properties of CBM make it an attractive option for pain management. However, the scale and quality of studies conducted are limited. Further research is necessary to establish recommendation guidelines for medical cannabis in pain management.