CANNABIS and the future of pain management: a review of the current clinical evidence

The medical use of cannabis has become increasingly topical given trends around the world towards legislation permitting its recreational use. Cannabis has been used for medical purposes for centuries with its use being traced back to ancient China and India, for example. In this presentation, the physiological basis of the use of cannabis for pain management will be reviewed. It is known that cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system and via interactions with cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) it can affect analgesia as well as immune function. The variety of conditions for which cannabis use is being used in medical contexts will also be reviewed, but with an emphasis on its role in pain management. The literature surrounding the use of cannabis for acute and chronic pain management will be reviewed as well as typical side effects and caveats. Practical guidelines regarding the prescription of cannabis for pain conditions will also be discussed.

Author(s): Vladko Pelivanov

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