Cannabis capsules.
A new study published in Clinical Therapeutics found that multiple cannabinoid combinations were associated with improvements in pain and related symptoms among patients with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee and/or hip.
The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School and the University at Buffalo, examined whether different combinations of intoxicating and nonintoxicating cannabinoids could help patients with three types of chronic pain conditions.
Researchers recruited adult California residents diagnosed with fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a 12-week supply of oral capsules containing one of three cannabinoid formulations.
One product contained 12.5 milligrams of cannabidiol (CBD) and 12.5 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A second contained 10 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), 10 milligrams of cannabidiolic acid (CBDa), 5 milligrams of cannabigerol (CBG) and 3 milligrams of cannabichromene (CBC). A third contained 10 milligrams of CBD and 10 milligrams of CBDa.
Of the 276 people recruited, 168, or 60.9%, completed all survey questionnaires. After removing four participants who completed the surveys but stopped using the study products, researchers analyzed outcomes among those who followed the study protocol.
The results showed significant improvements across nearly all measured symptoms, including pain-related outcomes, mental health measures and physical functioning. Cognitive function was the only area where significant improvement was not found.
Researchers said the benefits ranged from small to large, with most outcomes not differing significantly based on the product used or the type of chronic pain being treated. However, the products did differ in their impact on sleep disturbance, and participants who took the formulation containing THCA, CBDa, CBG and CBC reported reductions in neuropathic pain intensity.
The findings indicate that several cannabinoid combinations may provide relief for people with different chronic pain conditions. Researchers also noted that nonintoxicating cannabinoids such as CBD and CBDa may be useful when cannabis intoxication is unwanted or problematic.
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