Applicability of Cannabis and its derivatives in the management of chronic pain

Abstract

Chronic pain is a public health problem that causes personal and social harm, characterized as pain that lasts longer than expected or that accompanies a chronic illness. Currently, products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, such as cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, are a source of interest in various studies, due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, there is interest in its application in the management of chronic pain in clinical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy and sickle cell anemia. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the main discoveries and advances in the use of Cannabis derivatives in the treatment of chronic pain, through an integrative review of the literature. Cannabis-derived compounds have been used as an alternative to traditional anti-inflammatories and opioids due to better pain control, fewer side effects and improved health in general. However, there is a need for more studies on the drug interaction of cannabinoids with other drugs and a reformulation of regulatory protocols for better use of Cannabis derivatives in chronic pain