Cannabis and cannabinoids for the treatment of acute and chronic pain

Since the Act on the medical use of cannabis, at which cannabis-based medicines and cannabinoids became law, there has been an exponential increase in prescriptions for the acquisition of cannabis for medical purposes. The aim of this leading article is to compile and assess the currently available relevant clinical evidence for the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for treatment of acute and chronic pain. Based on the systematic literature review Cannabis-Potential and risks (CAPRIS) commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the recently published recommendations of the European Pain Federation EFIC, this article aims to give an orientation aid for the decision-making process in the clinical routine.

Automated summary

Following the legalization of cannabis-based medicines and cannabinoids for medical use, there has been a significant rise in prescriptions for cannabis. This article compiles and evaluates clinical evidence on the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for acute and chronic pain, providing guidance for decision-making in clinical practice based on systematic literature reviews and recommendations from health authorities.