Australian Study: Patients with Chronic Pain Rate Cannabis Oil Highly Effective
Australian researchers have conducted a study showing that patients suffering from chronic pain rate physician-prescribed cannabis oil as highly effective. The use of medical cannabis has been found to improve the quality of life for many patients.
Medical Cannabis Improves Quality of Life
Over a three-month period after starting cannabis treatment, the study authors surveyed 2,327 participants who suffered from the following conditions:
- Chronic pain (1,598 patients)
- Insomnia (534 patients)
- Anxiety disorder (508 patients)
- Anxiety and depression (259 patients)
The volunteers began taking cannabinoid oil produced by Little Green Pharma after traditional medications proved ineffective. Patients completed questionnaires to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and reported that cannabis helped relieve symptoms of the above conditions, though it was not effective for insomnia.
Significant Improvements Observed
After analyzing the results, the researchers concluded: “During the first three months of medical cannabis treatment, we observed statistically and clinically significant improvements in the quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. Over time, patients experienced reduced pain and decreased intensity of anxiety and depression symptoms. We will continue to monitor patients’ health for 12 months to determine whether the therapeutic effects of cannabis are sustained in the long term.”
Cannabidiol and THC Medications Help Relieve Pain
Another study published in May 2023 also highlighted the therapeutic value of cannabis. Surveying 3,148 people with chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety, Australian doctors found that prescribed cannabinoid medications improved both physical and mental health. Notably, positive effects were observed with oral oils and capsules, where the average daily dose of CBD ranged from 5 to 97.1 mg, and THC from 8.7 to 35.9 mg.
In 97% of cases, side effects from cannabis were mild and included drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness. Before starting cannabis therapy, participants were taking an average of six medications per day. Thanks to cannabinoids, many were able to stop using opioids, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and gabapentinoids.
The study authors concluded: “There is a correlation between the use of medical cannabis and improved quality of life for patients with various conditions. However, the relatively frequent occurrence of side effects indicates the need for caution when prescribing THC-containing medications.”