Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A Practical Review
What Researchers Found About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Current Pain and Headache Reports, 2023
Researchers
Yale University School of Medicine (United States)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
This 2023 review of 77 articles concludes that medical cannabis provides adequate pain management for chronic nonmalignant pain. THC and CBD work through the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception and symptom frequency.
Key Finding: This 2023 review of 77 articles concludes that medical cannabis provides adequate pain management for chronic nonmalignant pain. THC and CBD work through the endocannabinoid system to reduce pain perception and symptom frequency.
What Researchers Studied About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
Chronic non-cancer pain affects millions of people, and many are turning to medical cannabis. But what does the current research say about its effectiveness?
This 2023 review from Current Pain and Headache Reports examines the evidence for medical cannabis in chronic pain management—synthesizing findings from 77 articles.
The review addresses a practical question: Is medical cannabis a valid option for chronic pain patients?
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a systematic review:
• Searched PubMed and Google Scholar • Screened and selected 77 relevant articles • Examined evidence for cannabis in chronic nonmalignant pain • Reviewed mechanism of action (endocannabinoid system) • Addressed regulatory context (Schedule I classification)
Chronic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Medical cannabis is indicated for chronic pain management
- 2Also useful for migraines, headaches, anxiety, PTSD
- 3THC and CBD modulate symptoms via endocannabinoid system
- 4Works by decreasing pain perception (nociception)
- 5Benefits include convenience and efficacy
- 6Research in US limited by DEA Schedule I classification
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 77 | articles reviewed for this analysis |
| THC + CBD | active ingredients that modulate pain |
| Multiple | conditions beyond pain that respond |
| Schedule I | classification limiting US research |
articles reviewed for this analysis
active ingredients that modulate pain
conditions beyond pain that respond
classification limiting US research
What This Means for Chronic Pain Patients
This practical review summarizes the evidence for chronic pain patients:
Conditions that may respond: • Chronic nonmalignant pain • Headaches and migraines • Anxiety • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How it works: THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system to decrease pain perception and reduce symptom frequency.
Practical benefits noted: • Convenience of use • Efficacy for symptom management • Alternative when other treatments fail
Important context: Research in the US has been limited because cannabis is still Schedule I federally. This means we have less high-quality data than we would for other medications.
Takeaway: The authors conclude that medical cannabis provides "adequate pain management" for chronic pain, and patients "may benefit" from its use due to convenience and efficacy.
Quick Answers: Chronic 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 medical marijuana work for chronic pain?
Yes, a 2023 review of 77 studies concluded medical marijuana "provides adequate pain management" for chronic pain. Patients may benefit from its convenience and effectiveness (Current Pain and Headache Reports).
Source: Romero-Sandoval et al., Current Pain and Headache Reports, 2023 (PMID: 36897501)
What can medical marijuana treat?
Yes, for chronic pain, headaches, migraines, anxiety, and PTSD. Research supports medical marijuana for these conditions. A 2023 review of 77 articles found it works through your body's natural endocannabinoid system.
Source: Romero-Sandoval et al., Current Pain and Headache Reports, 2023 (PMID: 36897501)
How does weed stop pain?
THC and CBD interact with your endocannabinoid system—a natural pain-regulating system in your body. They decrease pain signaling and reduce how often symptoms occur, according to a 2023 research review.
Source: Romero-Sandoval et al., Current Pain and Headache Reports, 2023 (PMID: 36897501)
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:
- US research limited by Schedule I classification
- Study quality varies in reviewed literature
- Heterogeneous conditions grouped together
- Long-term effects need more study
- Optimal dosing not well established
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
This 2023 review of 77 articles provides a practical perspective on medical cannabis for chronic pain. The authors conclude that cannabis is indicated for symptom management of chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, and PTSD, working through the endocannabinoid system. While acknowledging that research is limited by regulatory barriers, the review concludes patients with chronic nonmalignant pain "may benefit from medical cannabis due to its convenience and efficacy."
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Chronic Pain, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
- Can Cannabis Treat Mental Health Conditions? The Evidence
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
- The Endocannabinoid System: Why Cannabis Works
- Medical Cannabis for Cancer Patients: Real-World Results
- First PTSD Cannabis Trial: No Treatment Outperformed Placebo
Condition Research
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Hameed M, Prasad S, Jain E, et al. "Medical Cannabis for Chronic Nonmalignant Pain Management" Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2023. DOI: 10.1007/s11916-023-01101-w
Important Information
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 24, 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 Chronic Pain
Does medical cannabis help chronic pain?
Yes, according to this 2023 review. After analyzing 77 articles, researchers concluded medical cannabis "provides adequate pain management" and patients with chronic nonmalignant pain "may benefit" from its use.
What types of pain does cannabis help?
Yes, for several pain conditions. This review found cannabis is indicated for chronic nonmalignant pain, headaches, migraines, and pain associated with anxiety and PTSD. Both THC and CBD contribute to pain relief.
How does medical cannabis reduce pain?
THC and CBD work through the endocannabinoid system to decrease nociception (pain perception) and reduce symptom frequency. This is the same system your body uses naturally for pain modulation.