In a new review study, researchers examined the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids when used to treat pain, including chronic pain in children and adults.
They found that although there is preclinical data supporting the hypothesis of cannabinoid analgesia, uncertainties especially in clinical evidence, imply the evidence base for efficacy and safety does not reach the threshold required for general use in pain control.
The research was conducted by a team from the University of Bath.
Cannabis, cannabinoids, and cannabis-based medicines are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to manage pain.
In the study, the team reviewed existing data into cannabinoids, including for so-called ‘medicinal cannabis’ and ‘medicinal cannabis extracts.’
They found that there is limited evidence to support or refute their use for the management of any pain condition.
The studies were of poor quality (high risk of bias) and the evidence was of very low-certainty, meaning that the researchers are very uncertain of the findings and more research is needed.
The team says cannabis seems to attract strong opinions. If ever a field needed evidence and a rigorous scientific opinion it is this one.
For many, this will be an unpopular conclusion, but researchers need to face up to the fact that the evidence is simply lacking. Science is not about popularity but keeping people safe from false claims.
The challenge in this field will be for governments to fund independent research, and to ensure balance and equipoise.
Coming close on the heels of The Lancet Commission on children’s pain and the WHO guidelines on treating chronic pain, this further contribution also found no evidence to support the use of cannabis, cannabinoids, and cannabis-based medicines for children with chronic pain.
Doctors need to invest in real solutions to the very real problem of chronic pain in children.
The study is published in Pain. One author of the study is Dr. Emma Fisher.
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