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Mick G, Douek P. Clinical Benefits and Safety of Medical Cannabis Products: A Narrative Review on Natural Extracts. Pain Ther 2024:10.1007/s40122-024-00643-0. [PMID: 39096481 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-024-00643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Interest in medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) has increased greatly in recent years. Two cannabinoids are of principal importance; delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC), the primary psychoactive component, and also cannabidiol (CBD), considered non-intoxicating. Each has distinct mechanisms of action and different therapeutic potentials. CBMPs differ in their ∆9-THC and CBD components; predominantly ∆9-THC, balanced formulations with equivalent ∆9-THC and CBD elements, and CBD-predominant products. In this narrative review, we evaluate the published evidence for the clinical benefits of CBMPs and overall benefits in well-being. We also review the overall safety profile and discuss the potential for dependence with CBMPs. Evidence can be drawn from a wide range of randomized and other controlled studies and from observational real-world studies. Most data from observational registry studies are supportive of ∆9-THC-based products (∆9-THC-predominant or balanced CBMPs) in the management of chronic neuropathic pain. Balanced products are also effective in reducing spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Most CBMPs show benefit in providing symptomatic benefits in reducing anxiety, nausea, and in improving sleep, but the place of specific products is more subtle, and choice guided by specific circumstances. Symptomatic improvements are accompanied by improved quality of life and well-being. Safety data indicate that CBMPs are generally well tolerated in most patients without specific contraindications. The majority of adverse effects are non-serious, and transient; most are principally associated with ∆9-THC and are dose-dependent. In contrast to recreational cannabis use, there is little evidence from clinical studies that CBMPs have any potential for dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gérard Mick
- Pain Center, Voiron Hospital, CHU Grenoble-Alpes-Voiron, Voiron, 38500, Grenoble, France.
- CETD, Hôpital Neurologique Pierre Wertheimer, CHU de Lyon-Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), 69500, Bron, France.
- Health Systemic Process (P2S) Laboratory, Research Unit 4129, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008, Lyon, France.
- THEMAS Team, TIMC Laboratory, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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Safi K, Sobieraj J, Błaszkiewicz M, Żyła J, Salata B, Dzierżanowski T. Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol for Pain Treatment-An Update on the Evidence. Biomedicines 2024; 12:307. [PMID: 38397910 PMCID: PMC10886939 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of the current International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines, the topic of cannabinoids in relation to pain remains controversial, with insufficient research presently available. Cannabinoids are an attractive pain management option due to their synergistic effects when administered with opioids, thereby also limiting the extent of respiratory depression. On their own, however, cannabinoids have been shown to have the potential to relieve specific subtypes of chronic pain in adults, although controversies remain. Among these subtypes are neuropathic, musculoskeletal, cancer, and geriatric pain. Another interesting feature is their effectiveness in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Analgesic benefits are hypothesized to extend to HIV-associated neuropathic pain, as well as to lower back pain in the elderly. The aim of this article is to provide an up-to-date review of the existing preclinical as well as clinical studies, along with relevant systematic reviews addressing the roles of various types of cannabinoids in neuropathic pain settings. The impact of cannabinoids in chronic cancer pain and in non-cancer conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and headaches, are all discussed, as well as novel techniques of administration and relevant mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tomasz Dzierżanowski
- Palliative Medicine Clinic, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
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Jain S, Cloud GW, Gordon AM, Lam AW, Vakharia RM, Saleh A, Razi AE. Cannabis Use Disorder Is Associated With Longer In-Hospital Lengths of Stay, Higher Rates of Medical Complications, and Costs of Care Following Primary 1- to 2-Level Lumbar Fusion. Global Spine J 2024; 14:67-73. [PMID: 35395920 PMCID: PMC10676152 DOI: 10.1177/21925682221093965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to assess whether cannabis use disorder (CUD) patients undergoing primary 1- to 2-level lumbar fusion (1-2LF) for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disorders have higher rates of: (1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS), (2) medical complications, and (3) healthcare expenditures. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective case-control study of the MSpine dataset of the PearlDiver claims from January 2007 to March 2018 was performed. Patients with CUD undergoing 1-2LF were queried and matched to a comparison group in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and various medical comorbidities yielding 22, 815 patients within the study (CUD = 3805; control = 19 010). Outcomes analyzed included LOS, 90-day medical complications, and costs. A P-value less than .004 was considered significant. RESULTS This study found CUD patients undergoing primary 1-2LF experience longer in-hospital LOS (4- vs. 3-days, P < .0001). Additionally, CUD patients were found to have significantly higher frequency and odds-ratios (OR) (31.88 vs. 18.01% OR: 1.41, P < .0001) of adverse events within ninety days following their procedure. CUD patients also had significantly higher day of surgery ($18,946.79 vs. $15,691.02, P < .0001) and 90 days healthcare expenditures ($21,469.01 vs. $19,556.71, P < .0001). CONCLUSION Patients with CUD can prepare for increased LOS, complications, and costs following primary 1-2LF. The study can be used to educate these patients of the potential outcomes following their procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Jain
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey W. Cloud
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- College of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Adam M. Gordon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Aaron W. Lam
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rushabh M. Vakharia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Saleh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Afshin E. Razi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Lee C, Danielson EC, Beestrum M, Eurich DT, Knapp A, Jordan N. Medical Cannabis and Its Efficacy/Effectiveness for the Treatment of Low-Back Pain: a Systematic Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2023; 27:821-835. [PMID: 38041708 PMCID: PMC11095816 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01189-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This systematic review aims to inform the current state of evidence about the efficacy and effectiveness of medical cannabis use for the treatment of LBP, specifically on pain levels and overall opioid use for LBP. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and CINAHL. The search was limited to the past 10 years (2011-2021). Study inclusion was determined by the critical appraisal process using the Joanna Briggs Institute framework. Only English language articles were included. Participant demographics included all adult individuals with LBP who were prescribed medical cannabis for LBP and may be concurrently using opioids for their LBP. Study quality and the risk of bias were both evaluated. A narrative synthesis approach was used. RECENT FINDINGS A total of twelve studies were included in the synthesis: one randomized controlled trial (RCT), six observational studies (one prospective, four retrospective, and one cross-over), and five case studies. All study results, except for the RCT, indicated a decrease in LBP levels or opioid use over time after medical cannabis use. The RCT reported no statistically significant difference in LBP between cannabis and placebo groups. Low back pain (LBP) affects 568 million people worldwide. In the United States, LBP treatment represents more than half of regular opioid users. With the opioid epidemic, alternative methods, particularly medical cannabis, is now increasingly sought by practicing physicians and patients. Due to its infancy, there is minimal high-quality evidence to support medical cannabis use as a first line treatment for LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cerina Lee
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Elizabeth C Danielson
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Molly Beestrum
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dean T Eurich
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ashley Knapp
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Neil Jordan
- Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center of Innovation for Complex Chronic Healthcare, Hines VA Hospital, Hines, IL, USA
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Godbout-Parent M, Nguena Nguefack HL, Angarita-Fonseca A, Audet C, Bernier A, Zahlan G, Julien N, Pagé MG, Guénette L, Blais L, Lacasse A. Prevalence of cannabis use for pain management in Quebec: A post-legalization estimate among generations living with chronic pain. Can J Pain 2022; 6:65-77. [PMID: 35694144 PMCID: PMC9176231 DOI: 10.1080/24740527.2022.2051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Medical cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2001, and recreational cannabis was legalized in October 2018, which has led to a widespread increase in the accessibility of cannabis products. Aims This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cannabis use among adults living with chronic pain (CP) and investigate the relationship between age and cannabis use for CP management. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the COPE Cohort data set, a large Quebec sample of 1935 adults living with CP, was conducted. Participants completed a web-based questionnaire in 2019 that contained three yes/no questions about past-year use of cannabis (i.e., for pain management, management of other health-related conditions, recreational purposes). Results Among the 1344 participants who completed the cannabis use section of the questionnaire, the overall prevalence of cannabis use for pain management was 30.1% (95% confidence interval 27.7-32.7). Differences were found between age groups, with the highest prevalence among participants aged ≤26 years (36.5%) and lowest for those aged ≥74 years (8.8%). A multivariable logistic model revealed that age, region of residence, generalized pain, use of medications or nonpharmacological approaches for pain management, alcohol/drug consumption, and smoking were associated with the likelihood of using cannabis for pain management. Conclusions Cannabis is a common treatment for the management of CP, especially in younger generations. The high prevalence of use emphasizes the importance of better knowledge translation for people living with CP, rapidly generating evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of cannabis, and clinicians' involvement in supporting people who use cannabis for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marimée Godbout-Parent
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Hermine Lore Nguena Nguefack
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Adriana Angarita-Fonseca
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada,Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Claudie Audet
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Andréanne Bernier
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Ghita Zahlan
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Nancy Julien
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - M. Gabrielle Pagé
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada,médecine, Université de MontréalDépartement d’anesthésiologie et de médecine de la douleur, Faculté de, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Line Guénette
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec–Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Lucie Blais
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anaïs Lacasse
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada,CONTACT Anaïs Lacasse, PhD Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, 445, boul. de l’Université, Rouyn-Noranda, QCJ9X 5E4, Canada
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Mills L, Lintzeris N, O'Malley M, Arnold JC, McGregor IS. Prevalence and correlates of cannabis use disorder among Australians using cannabis products to treat a medical condition. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1095-1108. [PMID: 35172040 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior research has examined the prevalence and correlates of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in people who use cannabis; however, these are poorly described for people using cannabis for medical reasons. METHODS Data came from a 2018 to 2019 online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey of Australians reporting using either illicit or licit cannabis for medical reasons within the past year. Included were questions on demographics, current and lifetime patterns of cannabis use, clinical conditions for which medical cannabis was used, and individual criteria for CUD and cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Bayesian Horseshoe logistic regression models were used to identify covariates associated with meeting CUD DSM-5 conditions for any-CUD (≥2/11 criteria) and moderate-severe-CUD (≥4/11). RESULTS A total of 905 participants were included in the analysis. The majority (98%) used illicit cannabis products. Criteria for any-CUD criteria were met by 290 (32.0%), and 117 (12.9%) met criteria for moderate-severe-CUD. Tolerance (21%) and withdrawal (35%) were the most commonly met criteria. Correlates with the strongest association with CUD were inhaled route of administration [odds ratio (OR) = 2.96, 95% credible interval 1.11, 7.06], frequency of cannabis use (OR = 1.24, 1.11-1.35), proportion of cannabis for medical reasons (OR = 0.83, 0.74, 0.94), frequency of tobacco use (OR = 1.10, 1.03, 1.17), age (OR = 0.75, 0.64, 0.90) and pain as main clinical indication (OR = 0.58, 0.36, 1.00). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of CUD in medical cannabis users appears comparable to 'recreational' users, with many similar correlates. CUD was associated with using cannabis to treat mental health rather than pain conditions and inhaled over other routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llewellyn Mills
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia.,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicholas Lintzeris
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Research and Improvement Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael O'Malley
- Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Poudel S, Quinonez J, Choudhari J, Au ZT, Paesani S, Thiess AK, Ruxmohan S, Hosameddin M, Ferrer GF, Michel J. Medical Cannabis, Headaches, and Migraines: A Review of the Current Literature. Cureus 2021; 13:e17407. [PMID: 34589318 PMCID: PMC8459575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has been long used since ancient times for both medical and recreational use. Past research has shown that cannabis can be indicated for symptom management disorders, including cancer, chronic pain, headaches, migraines, and psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). Active ingredients in cannabis that modulate patients' perceptions of their conditions include Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes. These compounds work to produce effects within the endocannabinoid system to decrease nociception and decrease symptom frequency. Research within the United States of America is limited to date due to cannabis being classified as a schedule one drug per the Drug Enforcement Agency. Few anecdotal studies have found a limited relationship between cannabis use and migraine frequency. The purpose of the review article is to document the validity of how medical cannabis can be utilized as an alternative therapy for migraine management. Thirty-four relevant articles were selected after a thorough screening process using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The following keywords were used: "Cannabis," "Medical Marijuana," "Headache," "Cannabis and Migraine," "Cannabis and Headache." This literature study demonstrates that medical cannabis use decreases migraine duration and frequency and headaches of unknown origin. Patients suffering from migraines and related conditions may benefit from medical cannabis therapy due to its convenience and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujan Poudel
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Jonathan Quinonez
- Neurology/Osteopathic Neuromuscular Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Jinal Choudhari
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Zachary T Au
- Family and Community Medicine, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sylvia Paesani
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Armond K Thiess
- Division of Research and Academic Affairs, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Samir Ruxmohan
- Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
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