Cannabinoids for Nerve Pain: Small But Real Benefit
What Researchers Found About Neuropathic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Anesthesia and Analgesia, 2017
Researchers
Multiple institutions (International)
Study Type
Meta-AnalysisParticipants
1,219 patients · Varies by trial
Key Finding
Selective cannabinoids provide a small analgesic benefit in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.
Key Finding: Selective cannabinoids provide a small analgesic benefit in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.
What Researchers Studied About Neuropathic Pain and Cannabis
There is a lack of consensus on the role of cannabinoids for treating neuropathic pain. Guidelines from pain societies have provided contradictory recommendations.
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined selective cannabinoids (dronabinol, nabilone, nabiximols) compared to conventional management or placebo for chronic neuropathic pain.
Researchers searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases through March 2016 and used the GRADE approach for evidence quality.
How This Meta-Analysis Was Conducted
11 randomized controlled trials with 1,219 patients were included: 614 in cannabinoid groups and 605 in comparator groups.
The studies varied in quality of reporting, etiology of neuropathic pain, and type and dose of cannabinoids used.
Data on numerical rating scale pain scores (0-10) were meta-analyzed.
Neuropathic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Significant but CLINICALLY SMALL pain reduction: -0.65 points on 0-10 scale
- 295% CI: -1.06 to -0.23 points; P = 0.002
- 3Heterogeneity was substantial (I-squared = 60%)
- 4GRADE assessment: Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence
- 5Also associated with improvements in quality of life and sleep
- 6No major adverse effects reported
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 1,219 patients | Total participants across 11 randomized controlled trials |
| -0.65 points | Mean pain reduction on 0-10 scale with cannabinoids vs comparators (P = 0.002) |
| 60% | Statistical heterogeneity (I-squared), indicating variability among studies |
| GRADE: Weak | Recommendation strength with moderate-quality evidence |
Total participants across 11 randomized controlled trials
Mean pain reduction on 0-10 scale with cannabinoids vs comparators (P = 0.002)
Statistical heterogeneity (I-squared), indicating variability among studies
Recommendation strength with moderate-quality evidence
What This Means for Neuropathic Pain Patients
If you have chronic nerve pain, cannabinoids may provide a small but real benefit.
This meta-analysis of 11 trials found cannabinoids reduced pain by about 0.65 points on a 0-10 scale. While statistically significant (P = 0.002), this is a modest effect.
The treatments also improved quality of life and sleep without major adverse effects.
However, the evidence quality is only moderate, the recommendation is "weak" by GRADE standards, and there was high variability among studies.
Cannabinoids may be worth considering for nerve pain, especially if other treatments have failed, but expectations should be realistic: the benefit is small, not transformative.
Quick Answers: Neuropathic Pain and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does cannabis help neuropathic pain?
Yes, but the benefit is small. A 2017 meta-analysis of 1,219 patients found cannabinoids reduced nerve pain by 0.65 points on a 0-10 scale (P = 0.002). Quality of life and sleep also improved without major adverse effects.
Source: Meng et al., Anesthesia and Analgesia, 2017 (PMID: 28537982)
What does research say about marijuana for nerve pain?
Small but statistically significant benefit (P = 0.002). A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (1,219 patients) found cannabinoids help nerve pain, though the GRADE recommendation is "weak" with "moderate-quality evidence."
Source: Meng et al., Anesthesia and Analgesia, 2017 (PMID: 28537982)
How much does cannabis reduce nerve pain?
On average, cannabinoids reduced neuropathic pain by 0.65 points on a 0-10 scale compared to placebo or conventional treatment. This is statistically significant but clinically modest. Quality of life and sleep also showed improvement.
Source: Meng et al., Anesthesia and Analgesia, 2017 (PMID: 28537982)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Clinically small effect size (-0.65 points)
- High heterogeneity among studies (I-squared = 60%)
- Variability in neuropathic pain etiology across trials
- Different cannabinoid types and doses used
- GRADE: only weak recommendation
- Well-designed large studies still needed
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain
This meta-analysis of 11 trials (1,219 patients) found selective cannabinoids provide a small but statistically significant pain reduction for chronic neuropathic pain (-0.65 points on a 0-10 scale, P = 0.002). Quality of life and sleep also improved without major adverse effects. However, the clinical effect is modest, heterogeneity was high, and the GRADE recommendation is weak.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Neuropathic Pain, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
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Source
Meng H, Johnston B, Englesakis M, et al. "Selective Cannabinoids for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" Anesthesia and Analgesia. 2017. DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000002110
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 9 years ago. Newer research may have updated or refined these findings.
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
For complete information, see our Terms of Use and Research Content Policy.
FAQs: Cannabis for Neuropathic Pain
Do cannabinoids help nerve pain?
Yes, but modestly. A meta-analysis of 11 trials (1,219 patients) found cannabinoids reduced neuropathic pain by 0.65 points on a 0-10 scale (P = 0.002). Quality of life and sleep also improved. However, the effect is clinically small.
Which cannabinoid is best for neuropathic pain?
No single cannabinoid is clearly superior. Dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols all showed a small analgesic benefit with improvements in quality of life and sleep in this meta-analysis.
Is there strong evidence for cannabis treating nerve pain?
Evidence is moderate. The GRADE assessment gave a "weak recommendation" based on moderate-quality evidence. The effect is statistically significant (P = 0.002) but clinically small (-0.65 points on 0-10 scale).