Cannabinoids for pain management
Data show that cannabinoids are unlikely to have a beneficial effect on chronic pain and that potential benefits are outweighed by potential harms1.
Apart from nabiximols (which is indicated for spasticity in multiple sclerosis), cannabinoids currently promoted for medical use have poorly defined pharmaceutical properties, lack pharmacokinetic and clinical data, and are used without approval by regulatory authorities.
For further information, see the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists’ position statement on medical cannabis.
In line with this position statement, it is the consensus view of the Pain and Analgesia Expert Group that cannabinoids should not be used for pain management because there is insufficient evidence that they are effective, and they are associated with significant harm.