Marijuana for pain

Findings from a study of medical marijuana for treatment of pain:

The study had screened 113 participants but only 23 were eligible. Out of these, 21 completed all four cycles.

The researchers found that the average pain intensity was significantly lower on 9.4% THC cannabis (score 5.4 out of 10) than on 0% THC cannabis (6.1 out of 10) (p=0.023). However, no other comparisons between the different doses were found to be statistically significant.

Participants using 9.4% THC cannabis reported finding it easier to fall asleep and had better quality of sleep than those taking 0% THC. No differences in mood or quality of life were seen with the different THC potencies.

Of the reported side effects, none were serious or unexpected. The most frequent side effects reported by participants when taking 9.4% THC cannabis were headache, dry eyes, burning sensation, dizziness, numbness and cough. Feeling “high” and euphoric was reported once in the 2.5%, 6% and 9.4% THC cannabis treatment periods.