CBD for Chronic Pain: 2024 Systematic Review of the Evidence
What Researchers Found About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Pain Management Nursing, 2024
Researchers
University of the Philippines (United States)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewDuration
Various
Key Finding
This 2024 systematic review of 15 studies found that most research shows 42-66% pain reduction with CBD or CBD+THC. However, 3 studies found no benefit, and the evidence overall is limited by small study numbers and varied methods.
Key Finding: This 2024 systematic review of 15 studies found that most research shows 42-66% pain reduction with CBD or CBD+THC. However, 3 studies found no benefit, and the evidence overall is limited by small study numbers and varied methods.
What Researchers Studied About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
With CBD products flooding the market claiming to help pain, nurses and patients need to know: Does the science actually support these claims?
This 2024 systematic review from Pain Management Nursing analyzed all available evidence on CBD specifically for chronic pain—defined as pain lasting more than 3-6 months.
By focusing on CBD (not cannabis broadly), this review helps clarify what we know about the non-psychoactive cannabinoid alone.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers conducted a comprehensive systematic review:
• Searched 8 databases plus gray literature through August 2022 • Followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines • Screened 1,516 articles • Included 15 studies meeting criteria • Assessed risk of bias and evidence quality using GRADE • Used narrative synthesis (couldn't do meta-analysis due to study heterogeneity)
Chronic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Most studies showed pain reduction of 42-66% with CBD or CBD+THC
- 23 studies found no significant improvement
- 31 study had mixed findings
- 4Various pain measures used (VAS, verbal scales, self-report)
- 5Evidence quality limited by heterogeneity and small number of studies
- 6Conclusion: "CBD may be useful" but interpret with caution
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 15 | studies included in the review |
| 42-66% | pain reduction range in positive studies |
| 3 | studies showed no significant improvement |
| 1,516 | articles screened to find 15 qualifying studies |
studies included in the review
pain reduction range in positive studies
studies showed no significant improvement
articles screened to find 15 qualifying studies
What This Means for Chronic Pain Patients
This review provides a balanced picture of CBD for chronic pain:
The promising findings: • Most studies showed meaningful pain reduction (42-66%) • Both CBD alone and CBD+THC showed benefit • Suggests CBD "may be useful" for chronic pain
The reality check: • 3 studies found no benefit at all • Evidence is limited—only 15 studies met criteria • Studies used different methods, making comparison difficult
What this means for you: CBD might help your chronic pain, but it's not guaranteed. The evidence supports cautious optimism rather than certainty. If you try CBD, give it a fair trial but don't expect miracles.
For nurses and clinicians: This review suggests CBD is worth considering for chronic pain patients, especially those who haven't responded to standard treatments. But educate patients about the uncertainty in the evidence.
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 CBD oil help with pain?
Probably yes—most studies show 42-66% pain reduction with CBD. A 2024 review of 15 studies found 12 showed benefit, though 3 found no effect. Results vary by person (Gusho & Court, Pain Management Nursing).
Source: Gusho & Court, Pain Management Nursing, 2024 (PMID: 37953193)
How much does CBD reduce pain?
42-66% pain reduction in studies showing benefit. However, not everyone responds—a 2024 review found 3 out of 15 studies showed no significant improvement, so CBD doesn't work for everyone.
Source: Gusho & Court, Pain Management Nursing, 2024 (PMID: 37953193)
Will CBD help my chronic pain?
It helps most people but not everyone. A 2024 review found 12 of 15 studies showed 42-66% pain reduction with CBD. But 3 studies found no benefit—you may need to try it to know if it works for you.
Source: Gusho & Court, Pain Management Nursing, 2024 (PMID: 37953193)
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:
- Only 15 studies met inclusion criteria
- Heterogeneous study designs prevent meta-analysis
- Different pain measures across studies
- Many studies combined CBD with THC
- Search ended August 2022—newer studies not included
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
This 2024 systematic review suggests CBD "may be useful" for chronic pain, with most studies showing 42-66% pain reduction. However, the evidence comes with important caveats: 3 studies found no benefit, only 15 studies qualified for review, and methodology varied widely. For chronic pain patients considering CBD, this supports it as a reasonable option to try—but expectations should be realistic, and it's not a guaranteed solution.
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
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Mohammed SYM, Leis K, Mercado RE, et al. "Effectiveness of Cannabidiol to Manage Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review" Pain Management Nursing. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2023.10.002
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 CBD help chronic pain?
Probably, for some people. A 2024 systematic review found most studies show 42-66% pain reduction with CBD or CBD+THC. However, 3 out of 15 studies found no benefit, so results vary.
How effective is CBD for pain?
42-66% pain reduction in positive studies. But the evidence is mixed, not everyone responds, and the review concluded CBD "may be useful" rather than definitely works.
Is CBD or THC better for chronic pain?
Both have evidence. The review included both CBD alone and CBD+THC studies, with similar ranges of benefit. Other research suggests the combination may be more effective than either alone for some patients.