Medical Marijuana and Chronic Pain: a Review of Basic Science and Clinical Evidence

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2015 Oct;19(10):50. doi: 10.1007/s11916-015-0524-x.

Abstract

Cannabinoid compounds include phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and synthetics. The two primary phytocannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), with CB1 receptors in the brain and peripheral tissue and CB2 receptors in the immune and hematopoietic systems. The route of delivery of cannabis is important as the bioavailability and metabolism are very different for smoking versus oral/sublingual routes. Gold standard clinical trials are limited; however, some studies have thus far shown evidence to support the use of cannabinoids for some cancer, neuropathic, spasticity, acute pain, and chronic pain conditions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology*
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Cannabinoids / pharmacology*
  • Cannabinoids / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Pain / drug therapy*
  • Endocannabinoids / metabolism
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Medical Marijuana / pharmacology*
  • Medical Marijuana / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1 / drug effects
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2 / drug effects

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Cannabinoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB1
  • Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2