In recent research from the University of Bath in the UK, experts have voiced strong concerns about the effectiveness and safety of CBD (cannabidiol) products for treating chronic pain.
Despite the growing popularity of CBD, found in various forms like oils, creams, and edibles, the study suggests that these products do not alleviate chronic pain and could be a waste of money or even harmful.
CBD, derived from the cannabis plant, has been marketed as an alternative remedy for pain relief, available in stores and online.
However, the research team, led by Professor Chris Eccleston of the Centre for Pain Research at Bath, emphasizes the lack of credible evidence supporting CBD’s effectiveness in pain management.
The study highlights that many CBD products on the market vary in CBD content, sometimes containing none or significantly more than what’s advertised.
More alarmingly, some products may include harmful chemicals, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is illegal in certain jurisdictions.
The researchers analyzed data from 16 randomized controlled trials examining the relationship between pain and pharmaceutical-grade CBD. Almost all of these studies found CBD to be no more effective than a placebo in relieving pain.
A meta-analysis within the study also linked CBD to an increased risk of serious side effects, such as liver toxicity.
In the UK, while medical cannabis (which includes certain CBD products) is regulated and prescribed for severe conditions like epilepsy, nausea from chemotherapy, and multiple sclerosis, non-medical CBD products are widely available without needing to meet specific quality or content standards.
This lack of regulation raises concerns about the legality and safety of these products, as they may contain illegal levels of THC.
The reliance on CBD products for chronic pain relief is particularly concerning given that an estimated 20% of adults suffer from chronic pain. The desperation for relief makes individuals vulnerable to the exaggerated claims about CBD’s benefits.
Dr. Andrew Moore, a study co-author, criticizes the healthcare regulators’ reluctance to address these claims, suggesting that the booming CBD market, valued at US$3 billion in 2021 and expected to reach US$60 billion by 2030, may be a factor.
The call from the study’s authors is clear: there is a pressing need for chronic pain to be taken more seriously, with an emphasis on consumer protection and investment in research to find effective solutions.
As the debate around CBD’s efficacy and safety continues, this research serves as a crucial reminder of the need for evidence-based approaches to pain management and the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers.
If you care about pain, please read studies about how to manage your back pain, and Krill oil could improve muscle health in older people.
For more information about pain, please see recent studies about how to live pain-free with arthritis, and results showing common native American plant may help reduce diarrhea and pain.
The research findings can be found in The Journal of Pain.
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