Medical marijuana has been shown in studies to help manage chronic pain in some patients, particularly when other treatments haven’t alleviated the pain to the patient’s desired level. Medical marijuana is also noted to be most effective under the guidance of a knowledgeable medical marijuana physician. . Research is evolving and ongoing, but the results based on studies and anecdotal evidence are very positive so far. Read more about the studies focused on chronic pain and medical marijuana below.
• National Academies of Sciences (2017): A landmark review concluded there is “substantial evidence that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain in adults.”
• Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Multiple studies found that cannabis or cannabinoids (especially THC and CBD combinations) can reduce neuropathic pain caused by conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or nerve injury.
• Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and Cancer Pain: Some studies and patient reports show improvements in pain, sleep, and overall quality of life.
• Opioid Reduction: Patients using medical marijuana often report needing fewer opioid medications, and states with medical marijuana programs have shown reductions in opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths.
Here are several notable studies, reviews, and trials that examine whether medical marijuana (or cannabinoids) can help with chronic pain — along with their strengths, limitations, and main findings:
1. Smoked cannabis for chronic neuropathic pain (2013)
This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial conducted on patients with neuropathic pain found that smoked cannabis that was consumed for short durations and in small doses using inhalation as the route of delivery helped to reduce pain, improved mood, and helped with sleep in comparison to the placebo. (PMC)
2. Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review & Meta-analysis (JAMA, 2015)
This review identified 28 randomized trials (total ~2,454 participants) of cannabinoids in chronic pain settings (neuropathic pain, cancer pain, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, musculoskeletal pain). (NCBI) Meta-analytic result: Plant-derived cannabinoids (e.g. nabiximols, THC, or cannabis flower) increased the odds of pain improvement by ~40% compared to control (odds ratio 1.41, 95% CI 0.99–2.00) in 7 trials of nabiximols. (NCBI) Conclusion: Moderate-quality evidence suggests cannabinoids may benefit chronic neuropathic pain. (JAMA Network)
3. Cannabis and Pain: A Clinical Review (2017)
A narrative/clinical review summarizing evidence, caveats, and knowledge gaps. (PMC)
Key takeaway: The evidence is modest, showing some benefit in pain, but significant uncertainties remain regarding dosing, long-term safety, and patient selection.
4. A Scoping Review on Clinical Trials of Pain Reduction with Cannabis (2020)
The review collected trials using herbal cannabis, THC, CBD, and THC+CBD combinations across pain types (neuropathic, cancer, MS, etc.). (PMC) All but one (out of many) of the trials showed a positive effect on pain vs control. (PMC) The authors caution that heterogeneity (in drugs used, doses, routes, populations) makes firm conclusions difficult. (PMC)
5. Cannabis for medical use versus opioids for chronic non-cancer pain (2023)
This compares outcomes of cannabis-based therapy vs opioids in chronic non-cancer pain settings. (PubMed) Findings: Cannabis may be similarly effective and have fewer discontinuations (i.e. better tolerability) than opioids. (BMJ Open)
6. Experimental inhaled cannabinoids trial (2019)
This trial tested single-dose inhaled cannabinoids in chronic pain patients. (PMC) Result: Only small analgesic responses were observed, indicating that single use may not yield strong effects; repeated or tailored dosing may differ.
7. Cannabis-Based Products for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review (2021)
This more recent review examines different cannabis-based products (synthetic, high THC, combinations). (American College of Physicians Journals) Example: Products with very high THC-to-CBD ratios (>98% THC) were associated with moderate improvements in pain scores (on a 0–10 scale). (American College of Physicians Journals)
Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of receptors that help regulate pain, inflammation, and mood.
• THC activates cannabinoid receptors to reduce pain signals.
• CBD helps by reducing inflammation and calming nerve overactivity, without the intoxicating effects of THC.
• Inhalation (vape, flower): Fast pain relief (minutes), shorter duration. (Flower is not available in Texas, as of this writing.)
• Oral (tinctures, capsules, edibles): Slower onset (30–90 minutes), longer-lasting relief.
• Topicals: Can target localized pain (e.g., arthritis, muscle pain).
The strongest evidence supports the use of cannabis/cannabinoids as an adjunct in neuropathic chronic pain, or as an addition to a current treatment plan, especially when other treatments have failed. Due to legal, regulatory, and methodological barriers, as well as risks, dosing, long-term effects, and patient selection, these areas remain areas of active research, and evidence is still evolving.
Early research and anecdotal evidence indicate that the use of medical marijuana as an addition to a pain management plan and under the guidance of a qualified medical marijuana provider familiar with cannabis medicine produced the best results in helping to alleviate pain in some patients. Please contact The Healing Clinics to find out more about chronic pain and medical marijuana, or click the button below to get started on your healing journey now.
