Cannabidiol (CBD), often marketed as a potential painkiller for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, has been the subject of extensive research. Animal experiments suggested CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
However, a clinical study conducted by pain researchers at MedUni Vienna has now revealed that CBD is not effective as a pain medication, even in high doses.
The study involved 86 participants, with an average age of approximately 63 years, suffering from severe pain due to knee joint degeneration (osteoarthritis).
The participants were divided into two groups: one received high-dose CBD orally, while the other was given a placebo without an active ingredient. The strictly controlled study spanned eight weeks.
Contrary to expectations, the study found that CBD did not exhibit a stronger pain-relieving effect than the placebo in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
These results indicate that CBD is not a viable alternative for pain therapy for this specific condition. Therefore, the search for more effective pain management options for knee osteoarthritis must continue.
Currently, knee pain associated with osteoarthritis is treated with analgesics like diclofenac, ibuprofen, and tramadol. However, these medications come with side effects and contraindications, particularly in elderly patients.
CBD, with its potential analgesic effects shown in animal studies, had raised hopes for a new treatment option.
This clinical study, distinguished by its high oral CBD dosage and extended observation period, provides crucial evidence of CBD’s lack of analgesic potential for a common chronic pain condition.
The findings suggest that CBD-containing painkillers, even for topical application, should be approached with skepticism.
CBD is a natural compound extracted from the hemp plant and is legally available for sale in the European Union. It does not have intoxicating effects and is not classified as a controlled substance. However, liver toxicity is a known side effect.
Currently, CBD has been sufficiently researched and approved under pharmaceutical law only for the treatment of specific types of childhood epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Key Takeaways
While CBD holds promise for various medical applications, the study’s results suggest that it is not effective in relieving pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.
Future research will be essential to explore CBD’s potential benefits in other medical contexts, but knee pain management is not one of them, according to this study’s findings.
If you care about pain management, please read studies about Scientists find a new drug for chronic nerve pain and findings of Scientists find a new, less-invasive way to tackle knee pain.
For more information about pain, please see recent studies about How dietary strategies can help manage chronic pain and results showing that How omega-3 fats can help manage pain relief.
The research findings can be found in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe.
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