Cannabis’s pain management potential revealed in trials

The prevalence of pain in clinical trials

Pain is a predominant symptom that has been the focal point of clinical trials concerning cannabinoids. Cannabis-based medicines have consistently showcased their 'promising potential' in this domain, according to a recent report. Despite the emergence of various research areas, pain continues to be the most frequently studied indication in cannabinoid-related clinical trials since 2010.

Decade-long research on cannabis and pain

A forthcoming report, which Cannabis Health had the privilege to preview, delves into the current state of cannabis science. It provides a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials conducted in this field over the past ten years. A significant chunk of these studies revolves around pain, encompassing a myriad of diagnoses.

Types of pain addressed

Chronic or neuropathic pain, which includes conditions like fibromyalgia/myofascial pain and cancer-related pain, is particularly widespread. There's also a focus on pain associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as MS and Parkinson's.

The trials also touch upon various other pain conditions, including post-surgical and post-operative pain, pelvic pain from conditions like endometriosis, knee or back pain, fractures, and pain related to inflammatory bowel disease.

Emerging research areas

While pain remains a central theme, there's been a surge in clinical trials exploring the potential advantages of cannabinoids for several psychiatric disorders. This includes their role in managing prevalent mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The scope of research on cannabinoids is also widening to encompass neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases, PTSD, insomnia/sleep disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes and its related symptoms.

High activity in emerging research

Some 'emerging areas of research' have witnessed heightened activity in clinical trials, progressing to advanced stages, including phase 3 trials. These conditions include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression in bipolar disorder, endometriosis, and alcohol use disorder.

The most common cannabinoids in trials

Recent times have seen a spike in clinical trials focusing on CBD in isolation from other compounds. However, over the past 13 years, there's been a more pronounced interest in treatments involving multiple cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD. The report also highlights a 'growing interest' in non-cannabinoid compounds targeting the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids in mainstream medicine

The comprehensive Pharmaceutical Cannabis Report, set to be released next month by Prohibition Partners and Cannabiscientia, traces the evolution of cannabinoid medicine. It offers a detailed account of all activities in the context of the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Lawrence Perkins, an analyst at Prohibition Partners and co-author of the report, commented on the promising potential of cannabinoid-based medicine, especially in alleviating chronic and neuropathic pain. He emphasized that while the integration of cannabis and cannabinoids into mainstream modern medicine is still nascent, the future will undeniably see a more significant role for the medical application of cannabinoids in mainstream medicine.