Cannabis-Based Products for Chronic Pain A Systematic Review.
Contemporary data are needed about the utility of cannabinoids in chronic pain. To evaluate the benefits and harms of cannabinoids for chronic pain. Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus to January 2022. English-language, randomized, placebo-controlled trials and cohort studies (≥1 month duration) of cannabinoids for chronic pain. Data abstraction, risk of bias, and strength of evidence assessments were dually reviewed. Cannabinoids were categorized by THC-to-CBD ratio (high, comparable, or low) and source (synthetic, extract or purified, or whole plant). Eighteen randomized, placebo-controlled trials ( Variation in interventions lack of study details, including unclear availability in the United States and inadequate evidence for some products. Oral, synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios and sublingual, extracted cannabis products with comparable THC-to-CBD ratios may be associated with short-term improvements in chronic pain and increased risk for dizziness and sedation. Studies are needed on long-term outcomes and further evaluation of product formulation effects. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (PROSPERO CRD42021229579).