There is no evidence to support the use of cannabidiol (CBD) products are a treatment for chronic pain, a new review finds.
A meta-analysis of related studies published in scientific journals found a lack of convincing evidence that CBD (packaged as oils, vapes, creams, gummies, drinks, etc.) reduces pain. As it turned out, a team of British and Canadian researchers recommended that people be careful in the following cases: Compare marketing claims for CBD products.
At the time CBD’s promotion as a pain reliever got a considerable head start, scientists were still learning about CBD’s potential benefits and risks.
The authors hope that while research focuses on effective pain treatment, more balanced, evidence-based advice can be provided to patients and their healthcare providers. .
“Untreated chronic pain is known to have a serious negative impact on quality of life, and many people live with pain every day.” To tell Lead author Chris Eccleston is a pain scientist at the University of Bath.
“Pain is worth investing in serious science to find serious solutions.”
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) 2021 Statement of Philosophy states that there is insufficient evidence from high-quality studies to support the general use of cannabinoids to treat pain.meanwhile animal research Although potential analgesic mechanisms have been suggested, no human clinical trials have been conducted.
“This does not close the door on this subject.” Overview of IASP at the time“Rather, we are calling for more rigorous and robust research…and ensuring patient and public safety through regulatory standards and safety measures.”
Despite this, CBD products are widely promoted in stores and online as a pain relief treatment. Their argument is that fast growing market It is expected to exceed USD 60 billion by 2030.
“CBD is causing major problems for consumers.” To tell Eccleston. “It’s as if chronic pain patients don’t matter and people are happy to trade hope for despair.”
Eccleston and team investigated 16 clinical trials Implemented between 2020 and 2023, We tested various CBD products for several painful conditions. The study, which involved a total of 917 participants, involved doses ranging from 6 to 1,600 milligrams given orally, sublingually, or topically for up to 12 weeks.
Of the 16 studies that tested pharmaceutical-grade CBD, 15 found that CBD reduced pain no more than a placebo. Just one small trial 19 patients with thumb arthritis found that their pain was significantly reduced using topical CBD compared to controls.
Researchers also found that CBD products sold directly to the public may contain different amounts of CBD than listed on the label and may contain other cannabis products that have not been tested for safety. It also warns that it may contain ingredients and synthetic chemicals.
a 2022 survey Only a quarter of the 105 products tested were found CBD is accurately labeled and some may contain more CBD than advertised, while others may not..
In addition to CBD, 35% of these products contained CBD. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis (including those that claim to be THC-free).
The authors say it’s no wonder people turn to CBD products for pain relief. Chronic pain is affected It is estimated to affect one in five US adults in 2021 and is the most common chronic disease in the UK.
“For too many people with chronic pain, there are no medications to manage their pain.” explain Lead author Andrew Moore is a pain scientist at the University of Oxford.
“Chronic pain can be terrible, so people are highly motivated to try to relieve their pain in any way. That makes them vulnerable to wild promises about CBD.”
F.D.A. Announced in January 2023 CBD needs a new regulatory framework as the existing framework does not manage risks such as clear labeling to prevent contaminants, limits on CBD content, and ways to reduce the risk of children ingesting the product. It is thought that.Currently, the FDA monitors claims about CBD products and periodically issue a warning Regarding lack of efficacy.
“Excuses that mislead the public should not be tolerated,” the team said. write. However, it is unclear whether penalties can be imposed against violators, suggesting there is a long way to go when it comes to regulating the sale of CBD products.
“What this means is there is no consumer protection.” To tell Moore. “And without countervailing institutions to keep CBD sellers in check, the false promises being made about CBD’s pain-relieving effects are unlikely to slow down in the coming years.”
This research pain journal.
