Clinical Practice Guidelines: Cannabis for Chronic Pain & Co-Occurring Conditions (2024)
What Researchers Found About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2024
Researchers
University of British Columbia (Canada)
Study Type
Systematic ReviewKey Finding
These 2024 clinical practice guidelines, based on 70 studies, conclude that cannabis-based medicines show "moderate benefit" for chronic pain and also help related conditions like sleep problems and anxiety. The guidelines provide practical dosing and titration recommendations for clinicians.
Key Finding: These 2024 clinical practice guidelines, based on 70 studies, conclude that cannabis-based medicines show "moderate benefit" for chronic pain and also help related conditions like sleep problems and anxiety. The guidelines provide practical dosing and titration recommendations for clinicians.
What Researchers Studied About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
One in five people worldwide lives with chronic pain—and many also struggle with sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. Healthcare providers need evidence-based guidance on using cannabis for these interconnected conditions.
These 2024 clinical practice guidelines synthesize the evidence to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about cannabinoid-based medicines.
Unlike reviews that only summarize research, this study provides actual clinical recommendations for practice.
How This Systematic Review Was Conducted
Researchers developed clinical guidelines using rigorous methodology:
• Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines • 70 articles met inclusion criteria • 19 systematic reviews + 51 original research studies • Used GRADE to rate strength of recommendations • Included "values and preferences" for patient-centered care • Provided "practical tips" for clinical implementation
Chronic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1Cannabis-based medicines show "moderate benefit" for chronic pain
- 2Evidence supports efficacy for sleep problems, anxiety, and appetite
- 3Helpful for conditions: HIV, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis
- 4All patients should be educated on risks and adverse events
- 5Dosing should be individualized through collaborative care
- 6Guidelines cover titration and administration routes
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 70 | articles used to develop the guidelines |
| 19 | systematic reviews included |
| 1 in 5 | people globally live with chronic pain |
| Moderate | level of benefit for chronic pain |
articles used to develop the guidelines
systematic reviews included
people globally live with chronic pain
level of benefit for chronic pain
What This Means for Chronic Pain Patients
These guidelines provide important practical guidance:
What the evidence supports: • Cannabis shows moderate (not dramatic) benefit for chronic pain • May also help with sleep, anxiety, and appetite • Conditions with strongest evidence: MS, fibromyalgia, HIV-related pain, arthritis
Key patient recommendations: • Start with low doses and increase gradually • Work with your doctor to find the right dose for you • Be educated about potential risks and side effects • Individual responses vary—what works for others may not work for you
Important safety considerations: • All patients should understand risks before starting • Dosing needs to be personalized • Different delivery methods (oral, inhaled, topical) have different effects
What to discuss with your doctor: • Your specific pain condition and comorbidities • Previous treatments you've tried • Optimal starting dose and titration plan • How to monitor for benefits and side effects
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.
Do doctors recommend marijuana for chronic pain?
2024 clinical guidelines based on 70 studies conclude cannabis provides "moderate benefit" for chronic pain. Guidelines recommend starting low, going slow, and working with your doctor (MacCallum et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research).
Source: MacCallum et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2024 (PMID: 36971587)
How much medical marijuana should I take for pain?
Start low and increase slowly. Clinical guidelines recommend beginning with a low dose, increasing gradually while monitoring effects, and working with your doctor to find your optimal dose. Everyone responds differently.
Source: MacCallum et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2024 (PMID: 36971587)
Is medical marijuana proven to help pain?
70 studies reviewed in 2024 clinical guidelines show "moderate benefit" for chronic pain. Research also indicates cannabis may help related issues like sleep problems, anxiety, and symptoms of MS and fibromyalgia.
Source: MacCallum et al., Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 2024 (PMID: 36971587)
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:
- Guidelines based on available evidence, which varies in quality
- Individual patient factors may require deviation from guidelines
- Cannabis products vary in composition and quality
- Long-term effects less well-studied
- Guidelines may need updates as new research emerges
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
These 2024 clinical practice guidelines represent the most comprehensive evidence-based guidance for using cannabis in chronic pain management. Based on 70 studies, they conclude cannabis provides "moderate benefit" for chronic pain and may help related conditions like sleep and anxiety. The practical recommendations—start low, go slow, individualize dosing—provide a roadmap for patients and clinicians considering cannabinoid therapy.
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
Get Your Card
This condition qualifies for medical marijuana in:
Source
Bell AD, MacCallum C, Margolese S, et al. "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Cannabis and Cannabinoid-Based Medicines in the Management of Chronic Pain and Co-Occurring Conditions" Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0156
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 do clinical guidelines say about cannabis for pain?
2024 practice guidelines based on 70 studies conclude cannabis shows "moderate benefit" for chronic pain. Guidelines recommend starting with low doses, working with a doctor, and being educated about risks.
How do doctors prescribe medical cannabis?
Clinical guidelines recommend individualizing dosing through collaborative care. Start low, increase gradually, and monitor for both benefits and side effects. Different delivery methods have different effects.
What conditions does cannabis help besides pain?
Yes, for multiple conditions. According to 2024 guidelines, evidence supports cannabis for chronic pain-related conditions including sleep problems, anxiety, appetite suppression, and symptoms of MS, fibromyalgia, HIV, and arthritis.