Cannabis doesn't relieve pain, it makes it bearable
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Scientists have found that the psychotropic ingredients of cannabis do not reduce the intensity of pain, but make it more tolerable.
Specialists from Oxford University conducted research and found that the psychotropic ingredients that are contained in hemp, do not have the ability to reduce the intensity of pain, but only dull them.
The scientists performed a brain scan, which enabled them to see that THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), a component of cannabis contained in the leaves of cannabis, reduces activity in those parts of the brain that are associated with the emotional aspects of pain and suffering. In some participants, the effect of eliminating pain was quite high.
"Apparently, the effect of cannabis action can not be compared with traditional anesthetics. This is due to the fact that people react to it in different ways: some are very good, others are bad, and on the third, it does not have any effect at all, "says lead author Dr. Michael Lee.
"When studying brain activity, we observed slight cuts in those parts of the brain that encode pain. Marijuana, in the main, has an effect on the emotional reaction that pain causes, "says Dr Lee.
Chronic pain, not conditioned by anything - one of the most difficult problems of modern medicine. To alleviate the patient's pain, various approaches and methods are often used to reduce their intensity. These methods include physiotherapy, drug treatment and psychological support provided to the patient.
In the event that none of the above methods is effective, some patients can benefit from cannabis or drugs that include its components. At the same time, it is reported that the use of such drugs can have very little effect, and also cause side effects.
12 healthy men participated in the study. Subjects took either THC in the amount of 15 mg, or a placebo. Then a special cream was applied to the skin of volunteers, which caused painful sensations. One group received a cream that had no effect and did not cause pain, while others received a cream containing a chili pepper, which caused a burning sensation.
The experiment was carried out three times, in order to study the condition of each patient. Also for each of the combinations, each patient had four MRI tests.
"All participants reported a feeling of pain and unpleasant sensations experienced by the application of the cream. Each volunteer described how much they are concerned about pain and how this feeling is changing, say the researchers. "We managed to find out that THC does not affect the body in any way, but it gives some relief to the pain syndrome."
Scientists do not exclude that the use of cannabis as an effective analgesic is possible, but this requires additional research.
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