Introduction
Chronic pain affects millions of people in the UK, and with the rise of long COVID, the number of individuals experiencing pain is expected to increase. In this article, we will explore how CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, is being used by doctors, patients, and campaigners to manage pain. We will also discuss the need for further research to expand access to CBD as a pain management option.
Understanding CBD and Pain Management
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a ‘high’ effect. This has led to an increase in the use of CBD products, which are available over the counter in the UK without a prescription. CBD can be extracted from cannabis or hemp, a legal variety of the cannabis plant with low levels of THC.
Many individuals have turned to CBD to alleviate mild pain, such as period pain, and improve sleep. While anecdotal evidence suggests that some people have experienced benefits from using CBD, the lack of a recognized standard for CBD products makes it difficult to determine their efficacy or the amount of CBD they contain.
CBD and Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and mental health. It is estimated that up to 85% of people with chronic pain also suffer from severe depression. Traditional clinical trials, such as double-blind randomized control trials, are often used to study chronic pain treatment. However, measuring pain can be challenging as it relies on subjective measures like pain scores rather than objective quantitative measurements.
Dr. Arun Bhaskar, a head of service and consultant in pain medicine, suggests the establishment of an NHS registry to record patients’ experiences with CBD and medical cannabis treatments for chronic pain. This registry could improve the understanding and use of these treatments, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.
CBD and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic health condition that can cause various symptoms, including pain. Some individuals with MS have reported using cannabis, including CBD, to manage their pain symptoms. A survey conducted by the MS Society found that one in five people with MS use cannabis to alleviate symptoms.
While CBD treatments like Sativex are available for MS patients with muscle spasms, they are not currently recommended for pain symptoms. The MS Society is campaigning to widen access to Sativex by urging Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) to add the drug to their formulary.
The Need for Further Research
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance to doctors on the use of CBD and cannabis-based medicinal products. While NICE recommends the use of these products for certain conditions like severe nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, it does not currently recommend them for chronic pain. However, NICE advises doctors to continue prescribing cannabis-based medicinal products to patients who are already using them until it is deemed appropriate to stop.
To expand access to CBD and cannabis-based medicinal products for pain management, more research is needed to establish their safety, quality, and efficacy. The Chief Medical Officer’s review of medicinal cannabis in 2018 concluded that there is substantial evidence for the efficacy of these products in treating chronic pain. Further research in this area is a priority to provide doctors and patients with more informed treatment options.
Conclusion
CBD has shown promise in managing pain for individuals with various conditions, including MS. While anecdotal evidence suggests its potential benefits, more research is needed to establish its efficacy and ensure the availability of standardized CBD products. By continuing to explore the potential of CBD and cannabis-based medicinal products, doctors, patients, and campaigners can work together to improve pain management options and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain.
