A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the University of Colorado Boulder has found that edible cannabis may provide both short-term and extended relief for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, examined the effects of edible cannabis products containing varying levels of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
The research tracked 249 participants with a mean age of 46 over two weeks as they self-administered edible cannabis products. The participants used products classified as either THC-dominant, CBD-dominant, or a combination of both, based on their preferences. Pain relief, mood changes, and intoxication effects were evaluated throughout the study.
“During acute administration, a significant correlation between THC dose and short-term pain relief was found, suggesting that higher”, states the study. “THC doses were associated with greater pain reduction (p < .05). In addition, THC was associated with higher levels of subjective cannabis drug effects (p < .001), regardless of whether CBD was also in the edible product.”
Researchers found that “Acute CBD dose was primarily associated with short-term tension relief (p < .05); however, there were no associations between CBD dose and acute pain. Over the 2-week ad libitum administration period results suggested pain reductions across participants using all forms of cannabis. However, trends suggested that more frequent use of CBD-dominant edible cannabis may be associated with greater reductions in perceived pain over the 2-week observation period (p = .07).”
The study concludes by saying that the findings “support the short-term analgesic effects of THC and anxiolytic effects of CBD and further suggest that orally-administered THC and CBD should continue to be evaluated for the potential to provide both acute and extended relief from chronic low back pain.
The study’s full text can be found by clicking here.
