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According to American researchers, the evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis-related products in relieving chronic pain is thin. These results come from a meta-analysis they conducted and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
To carry out this work, the scientists searched for more than 3,000 studies in the scientific literature. In total, only 25 had scientifically valid evidence, ie 18 randomized controlled studies and seven observational studies of at least four weeks.
Real short-term effectiveness
In analyzing the results of this work, the researchers came to the conclusion that the evidence provided by the studies only supports cannabis in the short term in the treatment of neuropathic pain, caused by peripheral nerves.
For example, in the case of diabetic neuropathy, which causes burning and stinging, two synthetic products containing 100% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC have been approved by the FDA, with some notable side effects, such as dizziness and sedation. A sublingual spray also appears to have shown evidence of some clinical benefit, with the same side effects as well.
A limited amount of evidence
More than twenty states in the United States have yet legalized marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. With this work, researchers discover that many products currently available had not been well studied.
For Marian S. McDonagh, Emeritus Professor of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology at Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine and lead author of this work”the limited amount of evidence surprised us all. With so much buzz surrounding cannabis-related products and the easy availability of recreational and medical marijuana in many states, consumers and patients alike might assume there would be more evidence about benefits and side effects.”.
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Little research on the subject
“Unfortunately, there is very little scientifically sound research on most of these products.” she adds. “We have seen only a small group of observational cohort studies of cannabis products that would be readily available in states that allow it, and these were not designed to answer important questions about the treatment of chronic pain”.
In addition, the different compositions from one product to another do not facilitate their study, the conclusions may be different from one product to another and the consequences are potentially serious for the health of those who use them. Professor McDonagh therefore advises those who wish to use this type of product to seek advice first from their doctor.