Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain

Source:

McDonagh MS, Wagner J, Ahmed AY, Fu R, Morasco B, Kansagara D, Chou R. Living Systematic Review on Cannabis and Other Plant-Based Treatments for Chronic Pain. Comparative Effectiveness Review No. 250. (Prepared by Pacific Northwest Evidencebased Practice Center under Contract No. 75Q80120D00006.) AHRQ Publication No. 21(22)- EHC036. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; October 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER250.

Conclusions

Low to moderate strength evidence suggests small to moderate improvements in pain (mostly neuropathic), and moderate to large increases in common adverse events (dizziness, sedation, nausea) and study withdrawal due to adverse events with high- and comparable THC to CBD ratio extracted cannabinoids and synthetic products in short-term treatment (1 to 6 months). Evidence for whole-plant cannabis, and other comparisons, outcomes, and PBCs were unavailable or insufficient to draw conclusions. Small sample sizes, lack of evidence for moderate and long-term use and other key outcomes, such as other adverse events and impact on use of opioids during treatment, indicate that more research is needed.