Cannabinoids Future Research

Abstract

Cannabis has been used for over 3000 years with the management of pain being one of the most common reasons for its use. However, research has lagged purported benefit. In the United States, federal law classifies cannabis as a substance with no currently accepted medical use, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse. Along with a complicated political and social backdrop, this classification has driven difficulties in conducting clinical trials into the benefits of cannabis-based medicine (CBM) in the treatment of various pain conditions. However, most states have legalized cannabis for medicinal use, recreational use, or both. Pain remains the most common reason patients obtain medical cannabis certification. Studies are needed to not only evaluate whether CBM are beneficial in various pain states, but if so at what doses, formulations, and cannabinoid ratios.