Cannabis for Nerve Pain: The Cochrane Review
What Researchers Found About Neuropathy and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018
Researchers
University Hospital of Bonn (Germany)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewParticipants
1,750 patients · 2-26 weeks
Key Finding
This Cochrane review of 16 studies found that cannabis-based medicines provide modest pain relief for neuropathic pain—about 1 in 11 patients achieve meaningful improvement. However, side effects are common, with nervous system and psychiatric effects occurring more frequently than with placebo.
Key Finding: This Cochrane review of 16 studies found that cannabis-based medicines provide modest pain relief for neuropathic pain—about 1 in 11 patients achieve meaningful improvement. However, side effects are common, with nervous system and psychiatric effects occurring more frequently than with placebo.
What Researchers Studied About Neuropathy and Cannabis
Neuropathic pain—caused by nerve damage from conditions like diabetes, shingles, or injury—is notoriously difficult to treat. Current medications help only a few people and often cause intolerable side effects.
With millions of people suffering from nerve pain and limited options, researchers needed to know: Do cannabis-based medicines actually help, and at what cost?
This Cochrane review—considered the gold standard in medical evidence synthesis—analyzed all available randomized controlled trials.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a rigorous Cochrane systematic review:
• Included 16 randomized controlled trials with 1,750 adults • Studies lasted 2 to 26 weeks • Tested THC/CBD oral sprays, synthetic cannabinoids, inhaled cannabis, and dronabinol • Most compared against placebo; one compared to dihydrocodeine • Assessed pain relief, quality of life, tolerability, and safety • Rated evidence quality using GRADE methodology
Neuropathy Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 121% achieved 50%+ pain relief with cannabis vs 17% with placebo (NNT=20)
- 239% achieved 30%+ pain relief with cannabis vs 33% with placebo (NNT=11)
- 3More patients withdrew due to adverse events: 10% vs 5% with placebo
- 4Nervous system effects in 61% with cannabis vs 29% with placebo
- 5Psychiatric effects in 17% with cannabis vs 5% with placebo
- 6Evidence quality rated as very low to moderate
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 16 | randomized controlled trials analyzed |
| 1,750 | adult patients with neuropathic pain |
| 1 in 11 | patients needed to treat for one to achieve 30%+ pain relief |
| 61% | experienced nervous system side effects (vs 29% placebo) |
randomized controlled trials analyzed
adult patients with neuropathic pain
patients needed to treat for one to achieve 30%+ pain relief
experienced nervous system side effects (vs 29% placebo)
What This Means for Neuropathy Patients
The Cochrane Review gives a balanced but cautious assessment of cannabis for nerve pain:
The modest benefit: • About 1 extra person in 11 achieves meaningful pain relief (30%+) • About 1 extra person in 20 achieves substantial relief (50%+)
The side effect reality: • 61% experience nervous system effects (dizziness, drowsiness) • 17% experience psychiatric effects (mood changes, anxiety) • 10% stop treatment due to side effects (vs 5% with placebo)
Who might consider it: Cannabis-based medicines may be worth trying if you've failed other neuropathic pain treatments and can tolerate potential side effects.
Who should be cautious: Those with history of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse were excluded from these studies, so results may not apply to these groups.
Important caveat: The Cochrane authors concluded that "potential benefits might be outweighed by potential harms"—a notably cautious statement suggesting individual risk-benefit assessment is essential.
Quick Answers: Neuropathy 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 weed help with nerve pain?
Modestly, yes. A Cochrane review of 16 trials with 1,750 patients found about 1 in 11 patients get significant relief. Cannabis provides 30%+ pain reduction for some, but not most, nerve pain sufferers (Mücke et al., 2018).
Source: Mücke et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 (PMID: 29513392)
What are the side effects of marijuana for nerve pain?
Side effects are common. 61% of patients experience nervous system effects like dizziness, and 17% have psychiatric effects like anxiety. About 10% stopped treatment due to side effects, according to a Cochrane review of 16 trials.
Source: Mücke et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 (PMID: 29513392)
Is marijuana worth trying for neuropathy?
Maybe as a backup option. About 1 in 11 patients get meaningful relief, but side effects are common. Cochrane reviewers noted benefits "might be outweighed by potential harms"—try other treatments first.
Source: Mücke et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018 (PMID: 29513392)
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:
- Studies excluded patients with substance abuse history or psychiatric disorders
- Small sample sizes in many studies
- Short duration (mostly 2-26 weeks)—long-term effects unknown
- Low to moderate quality evidence overall
- Different cannabis preparations make comparisons difficult
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Neuropathy
This Cochrane review provides a sobering but honest assessment of cannabis for neuropathic pain. Yes, it helps—about 1 in 11 patients get meaningful relief. But side effects are common and sometimes serious, with over half experiencing nervous system effects. The Cochrane authors advise that potential benefits "might be outweighed by potential harms." For patients with difficult-to-treat nerve pain who have failed other options, cannabis may be worth discussing with a doctor, but go in with realistic expectations.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Neuropathy, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
Related Research
Condition Research
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Source
Mücke M, Phillips T, Radbruch L, et al. "Cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults" Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012182.pub2
Important Information
Study Age: This study was published 8 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 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 Neuropathy
Does cannabis help neuropathic pain?
Modestly, yes. A Cochrane review found about 1 in 11 patients achieve meaningful (30%+) pain relief with cannabis-based medicines. However, side effects are common, with 61% experiencing nervous system effects.
What are the side effects of cannabis for nerve pain?
Common side effects include nervous system effects (dizziness, drowsiness) in 61% of patients, and psychiatric effects in 17%. About 10% stop treatment due to side effects, twice the rate of placebo.
Should I try cannabis for nerve pain?
It depends on your situation. The Cochrane review suggests benefits "might be outweighed by harms" for some patients. Cannabis may be worth considering if you've failed other treatments, but discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.