An Exploratory Human Laboratory Experiment Evaluating Vaporized Cannabis in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain from Spinal Cord Injury and Disease

J Pain, 2016 · DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2016.05.010 · Published: September 1, 2016

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Pain Management

Simple Explanation

This study tested whether vaporized cannabis could help people with nerve pain from spinal cord injuries or diseases. Participants inhaled vaporized cannabis with different strengths of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) or a placebo (no active ingredient). The study found that vaporized cannabis significantly reduced pain compared to the placebo. The study also looked at side effects and cognitive performance. The higher the dose of THC, the more psychoactive side effects people felt. However, cannabis did not seem to negatively affect cognitive performance. The lower dose of THC appeared to offer the best balance between pain relief and fewer side effects. Overall, this study suggests that vaporized cannabis may be a useful treatment for nerve pain related to spinal cord problems. More research is needed to see how well it works over longer periods and to compare it to other treatments.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

42 participants with neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury or disease

Evidence Level

Level I, Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design study

Key Findings

1
Vaporized cannabis provided significant pain relief compared to placebo in participants with neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury or disease.
2
The lower dose (2.9% delta-9-THC) showed comparable analgesic potency to the higher dose (6.7% delta-9-THC) with potentially fewer psychoactive side effects.
3
Neuropsychological testing revealed no significant differences between study medications, suggesting cannabis generally did not result in reduced cognitive performance in this population.

Research Summary

This study investigated the analgesic efficacy of vaporized cannabis in patients with neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury or disease. Participants underwent a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving three different strengths of cannabis (placebo, 2.9%, and 6.7% delta 9-THC). The primary outcome measure, the 11-point numerical pain intensity rating scale, demonstrated a significant analgesic response for vaporized cannabis. Secondary outcomes, including the Patient Global Impression of Change and the Neuropathic Pain Scale, also indicated positive effects of cannabis on pain relief. While psychoactive side effects were dose-dependent, neuropsychological testing did not show significant cognitive impairment. The study concludes that vaporized cannabis can provide relief from neuropathic pain related to spinal cord injury or disease, with the lower dose offering a potentially better risk-benefit ratio.

Practical Implications

Pain Management

Vaporized cannabis may be a viable option for managing neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases, particularly when traditional treatments are ineffective.

Dosage Considerations

The lower dose of vaporized cannabis (2.9% delta-9-THC) may offer a favorable balance between pain relief and reduced psychoactive side effects, making it a potentially more suitable option for some patients.

Further Research

Longer-term studies are warranted to assess the sustained efficacy and safety of vaporized cannabis, as well as its impact on daily functioning, cognition, and mood.

Study Limitations

1
The study was an eight-hour human laboratory experiment, limiting the assessment of long-term efficacy and effects on daily functioning.
2
The large number of statistical tests conducted raises the potential for an elevated Type I error rate.
3
The study population included individuals with pre-existing cognitive impairments, which may have influenced the neuropsychological testing results.

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