Chronic pain

Understanding chronic pain

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond three months, often tied to injury, arthritis, nerve damage or a long-term condition. It can disrupt sleep, mood and daily function, and doesn't always respond to conventional approaches.

Medical cannabis and chronic pain

In Canada, medical cannabis is sometimes considered within a pain-management plan when other options have been tried without enough success. It is not a first-line treatment and is not right for everyone. A practitioner reviews your history, current medications and goals before any decision, and determines whether any precautions apply in your case.

What the evidence shows

Clinical-trial reviews indicate that some non-inhaled cannabinoid products may provide small to very small improvements in pain, sleep or physical functioning for some adults with chronic pain. Average benefits are modest and must be weighed against more frequent adverse effects, including dizziness and drowsiness.

What it does not establish

Studies do not establish that cannabis corrects the cause of pain, necessarily restores function or automatically allows opioid reduction. Many trials are short and test specific products, so their findings do not apply to every commercial product or every patient.

Points to discuss during the assessment

• The type of pain and its likely cause
• Treatments already tried and their effects
• Current sedating or opioid medications
• Measurable goals such as sleep or specific daily activities

Important precautions

• Adverse effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired attention, anxiety or a faster heart rate.
• THC can impair driving and the operation of machinery; never drive while impaired.
• Particular caution is required during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with some heart conditions, or with a personal or family history of psychosis.
• Tell the practitioner about all current medications and supplements so possible interactions can be assessed.