A new UK study “observed an association between initiation of CBMP [Cannabis-Based Medicinal Products] treatment and improved outcomes for chronic pain patients.”
Published in the journal Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, and epublished by the National Library of Medicine, the study “evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients enrolled in the UK Medical Cannabis Registry, who were treated with inhaled dried flower (Adven® EMT2, Curaleaf International, Guernsey), and sublingual/oral medium-chain triglyceride-based oils (Adven, Curaleaf International, Guernsey) for chronic pain.”
The study was conducted by researchers at the Imperial College London, Sapphire Medical Clinics, St. George’s Hospital NHS Trust, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, King’s College London and South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, all in the UK.
“In this cohort study the primary outcomes were changes in validated patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1, 3, and 6 months compared to baseline, and adverse event analysis”, states the study. “Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.050.”
For the study 348(45.7%), 36 (4.7%), and 377 (49.5%) patients were treated with oils, dried flower, or both, respectively.
Researchers found that “Patients treated with oils or combination therapy recorded improvements within health-related quality of life, pain, and sleep-specific PROMs at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.050).”
Patients treated with combination therapy “recorded improvements in anxiety-specific PROMs at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.050). 1,273 (167.3%) adverse events were recorded, with previously cannabis naïve users, ex-cannabis users, and females more likely to experience adverse events (p < 0.050).”
The study concludes:
This study observed an association between initiation of CBMP treatment and improved outcomes for chronic pain patients. Prior cannabis use and gender were associated with adverse event incidence. Placebo-controlled trials are still necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of CBMPs for chronic pain.
More information on this study can be found by clicking here.