Title |
Low-Dose Vaporized Cannabis Significantly Improves Neuropathic Pain
|
---|---|
Published in |
Journal of Pain, December 2012
|
DOI | 10.1016/j.jpain.2012.10.009 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Barth Wilsey, Thomas Marcotte, Reena Deutsch, Ben Gouaux, Staci Sakai, Haylee Donaghe |
Abstract |
We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study evaluating the analgesic efficacy of vaporized cannabis in subjects, the majority of whom were experiencing neuropathic pain despite traditional treatment. Thirty-nine patients with central and peripheral neuropathic pain underwent a standardized procedure for inhaling medium-dose (3.53%), low-dose (1.29%), or placebo cannabis with the primary outcome being visual analog scale pain intensity. Psychoactive side effects and neuropsychological performance were also evaluated. Mixed-effects regression models demonstrated an analgesic response to vaporized cannabis. There was no significant difference between the 2 active dose groups' results (P > .7). The number needed to treat (NNT) to achieve 30% pain reduction was 3.2 for placebo versus low-dose, 2.9 for placebo versus medium-dose, and 25 for medium- versus low-dose. As these NNTs are comparable to those of traditional neuropathic pain medications, cannabis has analgesic efficacy with the low dose being as effective a pain reliever as the medium dose. Psychoactive effects were minimal and well tolerated, and neuropsychological effects were of limited duration and readily reversible within 1 to 2 hours. Vaporized cannabis, even at low doses, may present an effective option for patients with treatment-resistant neuropathic pain. |
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Scientists | 10 | 5% |
Science communicators (journalists, bloggers, editors) | 1 | <1% |
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Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
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Canada | 3 | <1% |
Italy | 1 | <1% |
Puerto Rico | 1 | <1% |
Chile | 1 | <1% |
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Researcher | 72 | 13% |
Student > Master | 65 | 12% |
Other | 55 | 10% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 43 | 8% |
Other | 98 | 17% |
Unknown | 133 | 24% |
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Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | 32 | 6% |
Other | 117 | 21% |
Unknown | 152 | 27% |