Cannabis for Pain: A Complete Overview of the Evidence
What Researchers Found About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 2022
Researchers
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
This scoping review found cannabis has been shown useful for both acute and chronic pain, with the strongest evidence for MS-related pain and as an adjunct in cancer pain. However, evidence is weak for neuropathic pain, rheumatic conditions, and headache, and there is no strong evidence for using cannabis to reduce opioid use.
Key Finding: This scoping review found cannabis has been shown useful for both acute and chronic pain, with the strongest evidence for MS-related pain and as an adjunct in cancer pain. However, evidence is weak for neuropathic pain, rheumatic conditions, and headache, and there is no strong evidence for using cannabis to reduce opioid use.
What Researchers Studied About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
As countries worldwide legalize medical cannabis, clinicians urgently need clear guidance: What does the evidence actually show for different types of pain?
This comprehensive scoping review examines cannabis for pain across multiple conditions, summarizing the strength of evidence for each.
The review provides an honest assessment of where cannabis helps, where evidence is weak, and where more research is needed.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a scoping review of cannabis for pain:
• Examined evidence for both acute and chronic pain • Assessed evidence strength for different pain conditions • Evaluated cannabis as opioid-sparing therapy • Reviewed safety and adverse events • Identified gaps in current research
Chronic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Cannabis useful for acute and chronic pain, but recent studies have mixed findings
- 2Weak evidence for: neuropathic pain, rheumatic pain, headache
- 3Modest evidence for: multiple sclerosis-related pain
- 4Evidence for: adjuvant therapy in cancer pain
- 5No strong evidence for cannabis reducing opioid use
- 6Common side effects: somnolence, sedation, amnesia, euphoria, confusion
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Weak | evidence for neuropathic, rheumatic pain, and headache |
| Modest | evidence for MS-related pain |
| Adjuvant | role in cancer pain (not primary treatment) |
| No strong | evidence for opioid reduction |
evidence for neuropathic, rheumatic pain, and headache
evidence for MS-related pain
role in cancer pain (not primary treatment)
evidence for opioid reduction
What This Means for Chronic Pain Patients
This review provides an honest assessment of cannabis for different pain types:
Where evidence is strongest: • Multiple sclerosis-related pain (modest evidence) • Cancer pain as add-on therapy (supportive evidence)
Where evidence is weak: • Neuropathic pain (despite common use) • Rheumatic conditions like arthritis • Headaches and migraines
Important caution about opioids: Despite popular claims, there is no strong evidence that cannabis helps reduce opioid use in chronic pain patients.
Side effects to consider: • Drowsiness and sedation are common • Memory issues, euphoria, and confusion can occur • Special concern for elderly patients who may be more vulnerable
Bottom line: Cannabis may help some pain conditions, but it's not a universal solution. Evidence varies significantly by pain type, and more research is needed.
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.
What kind of pain is marijuana best for?
MS-related pain and cancer pain (as add-on therapy) have the best evidence. A 2022 review found weaker evidence for nerve pain, arthritis, and headaches—results vary significantly by condition (Rabelo et al., Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology).
Source: Rabelo et al., Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 2022 (PMID: 34280454)
Can marijuana help me get off opioids?
No strong evidence supports this claim. Despite popularity, a 2022 review found no solid evidence that cannabis helps pain patients reduce opioid use. Don't count on marijuana as an opioid-sparing strategy.
Source: Rabelo et al., Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 2022 (PMID: 34280454)
What are marijuana side effects for pain?
Common side effects: drowsiness, sedation, memory problems, euphoria, sweating, paranoia, and confusion. These are especially concerning for elderly patients and may limit usefulness for some people.
Source: Rabelo et al., Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology, 2022 (PMID: 34280454)
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:
- Scoping review provides overview rather than quantitative analysis
- Evidence quality varies significantly across conditions
- Many studies are older or have methodological limitations
- Dosing and formulation information often lacking
- Long-term safety data limited
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
This comprehensive scoping review provides a reality check on cannabis for pain. While cannabis has shown usefulness for certain conditions—particularly MS-related pain and as an add-on for cancer pain—the evidence is weaker than many assume for neuropathic pain, arthritis, and headaches. Notably, there is no strong evidence supporting cannabis as a way to reduce opioid use. Side effects are common and may limit use, especially in older patients. The review calls for more research to clarify benefits, risks, and optimal dosing.
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
Condition Research
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Source
Pantoja-Ruiz C, Restrepo-Jimenez P, Castañeda-Cardona C, et al. "Cannabis and pain: a scoping review" Brazilian Journal of Anesthesiology. 2022. DOI: 10.1016/j.bjane.2021.06.018
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
What type of pain does cannabis help best?
Evidence is strongest for MS-related pain (modest evidence) and as an add-on therapy for cancer pain. Evidence is weaker for neuropathic pain, arthritis, and headaches.
Can cannabis help me reduce opioids?
Despite popular claims, this review found no strong evidence that cannabis helps chronic pain patients reduce opioid use. More research is needed before this can be recommended.
What are the side effects of cannabis for pain?
Common side effects include drowsiness, sedation, memory issues, euphoria, sweating, paranoia, and confusion. These may be more concerning in elderly patients.