Doctors Develop Guidelines for Using Medical Cannabis to Treat Pain
Doctors from the Global Task Force on Dosing and Administration of Medical Cannabis have developed guidelines for using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain. These recommendations are designed to maximize the effectiveness of cannabis therapy and reduce the risk of negative reactions to medical cannabis.
Guidelines for Taking Cannabinoids
The members of the Global Task Force have created three protocols for using medical cannabis as an analgesic. They advise doctors and patients to choose one and follow the instructions precisely:
- Standard protocol: Most patients should take 5 mg of CBD twice daily. If cannabinoids are ineffective at a daily dose of 40 mg, 2.5 mg of THC should be added per day along with the CBD. The maximum daily dose of THC should not exceed 40 mg.
- Conservative protocol: Elderly patients, those with severe illnesses, or those taking multiple medications should start with 1 mg of THC per day and gradually increase the dose until the desired effect is achieved (up to a maximum of 40 mg).
- Accelerated protocol: Patients experiencing severe pain or those who have previously used medical cannabis regularly may be prescribed an accelerated course, taking 2.5 to 5 mg of both THC and CBD once or twice daily.
According to Dr. Alan Bell from the University of Toronto, medical cannabis is a good alternative to opioid analgesics. However, many doctors do not prescribe cannabinoids because they are unsure how to use medical cannabis for pain management. Clear guidelines will help integrate cannabis into medicine and address the opioid crisis in the United States and Canada.
Who Can Use Medical Cannabis and How?
Researchers believe the effectiveness of cannabis therapy largely depends on individual characteristics, so treatment regimens should be tailored to each patient. Doctors recommend prescribing cannabis for neuropathic, nociplastic, mixed, and inflammatory pain. CBD can be taken at any age, as it does not cause intoxication and is generally well tolerated. There is no established minimum age for THC use, as experts have not reached a consensus. However, considering brain development, most doctors advise avoiding THC until at least age 25.
The simplest and safest method of taking cannabinoids is orally. Many people suffering from pain benefit from CBD, making the first protocol suitable for most patients. Medical cannabis is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those prone to psychosis. Cannabinoids should not be taken together with anticoagulants, immunotherapy drugs, or clobazam.