Cannabis Found Effective in Managing Chronic Dental Pain

A new scientific review, published in the journal Dental and Medical Problems, provides compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoid-based products in managing chronic pain syndromes. According to an article from NORML, a respected advocacy group on cannabis reform, the review was conducted by researchers in Wrocław, Poland, who evaluated 36 studies on the use of cannabis and its derivatives for pain relief.

The findings suggest that cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) are particularly effective for patients suffering from neuropathy and other chronic pain conditions. The review notes, “Cannabis and CBD were found to be most effective in managing chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain, chronic secondary visceral pain, and chronic neuropathic pain, which is consistent with recommendations from clinical research.”

An Option for When Other Treatments Fail

The authors of the review highlight that cannabis could be a viable option for patients who have not found adequate relief through conventional treatments. They state, “Medical cannabis can be considered an option in carefully selected patients with chronic pain syndrome for the management of chronic pain when other treatment options fail to achieve an adequate response, and when potential benefits outweigh the risks.”

The review emphasizes that patients with specific conditions such as chronic secondary headache, orofacial pain, chronic visceral pain, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain may experience greater benefits from cannabis treatment compared to other chronic pain sufferers.

Call for More Rigorous Research

Despite the promising findings, the researchers caution that further high-quality studies are needed to fully establish the long-term safety and efficacy of cannabis-based therapies. “There is still a need for well-designed clinical research to establish the long-term efficacy and safety of cannabinoids,” the authors concluded. This call for additional research reflects ongoing concerns within the medical community about the potential risks and side effects associated with cannabinoid use, particularly when used over extended periods.

Growing Use Among Pain Patients in Legalized States

The increasing acceptance of medical cannabis is evident from recent data. According to a 2023 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly one in four patients dealing with chronic pain in states where medical cannabis access is legal now identify as marijuana consumers. This shift indicates a growing trend of patients turning to cannabis as an alternative or complementary treatment for managing chronic pain.

Need for Patient Education and Guidelines

NORML’s report underscores the importance of educating patients and healthcare providers about the potential benefits and risks of cannabis-based treatments. With the growing interest in cannabis as a therapeutic option, clear guidelines and evidence-based recommendations will be crucial to ensure safe and effective use.

The full text of the study, titled “Efficiency of cannabis and cannabidiol in managing chronic pain syndromes: A comprehensive narrative review,” is available in Dental and Medical Problems. Additional resources and information on cannabis and its applications for pain management can be found on NORML’s website, including their publication Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids.

Conclusion

The review’s findings mark another step forward in understanding the role of cannabis in pain management, particularly for patients suffering from chronic, treatment-resistant conditions. While the evidence supports its potential benefits, the call for more research remains critical to addressing lingering questions about long-term safety and optimal use.

For more in-depth analysis and details, readers can visit NORML’s article at https://norml.org/.