Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .
Smoked cannabis for spasticity in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Background : Spasticity is a common and poorly controlled symptom of multiple sclerosis . Our objective was to determine the short-term effect of smoked cannabis on this symptom . Methods : We conducted a placebo-controlled , crossover trial involving adult patients with multiple sclerosis and spasticity . We recruited participants from a regional clinic or by referral from specialists . We r and omly assigned participants to either the intervention ( smoked cannabis , once daily for three days ) or control ( identical placebo cigarettes , once daily for three days ) . Each participant was assessed daily before and after treatment . After a washout interval of 11 days , participants crossed over to the opposite group . Our primary outcome was change in spasticity as measured by patient score on the modified Ashworth scale . Our secondary outcomes included patients ’ perception of pain ( as measured using a visual analogue scale ) , a timed walk and changes in cognitive function ( as measured by patient performance on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test ) , in addition to ratings of fatigue . Results : Thirty-seven participants were r and omized at the start of the study , 30 of whom completed the trial . Treatment with smoked cannabis result ed in a reduction in patient scores on the modified Ashworth scale by an average of 2.74 points more than placebo ( p < 0.0001 ) . In addition , treatment reduced pain scores on a visual analogue scale by an average of 5.28 points more than placebo ( p = 0.008 ) . Scores for the timed walk did not differ significantly between treatment and placebo ( p = 0.2 ) . Scores on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test decreased by 8.67 points more with treatment than with placebo ( p = 0.003 ) . No serious adverse events occurred during the trial . Interpretation : Smoked cannabis was superior to placebo in symptom and pain reduction in participants with treatment-resistant spasticity . Future studies should examine whether different doses can result in similar beneficial effects with less cognitive impact
Pain intensity of chronic non-cancer patients was reduced by cannabinoids consumption , but effect sizes were small .
Efficacy for neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain was similar
There is growing interest in using cannabinoids for chronic pain .
We performed a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials to evaluate the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of cannabinoids for chronic non-cancer pain .