Medicinal marijuana can not alleviate sleep problems in people with chronic pain for a long time, because the frequent use of “weed” increases the tolerance to its effects that cause sleep, suggests a preliminary study published online in BMJ Supportive \u0026 Palliative Care.
A second study, also published in the journal, suggests that cannabinoids (the active chemicals in drug cannabis) do not affect cancer-related pain..
It is believed that chronic pain affects 19% to 37% of adults in developed countries and is often accompanied by problems with sleep..
In the first study, scientists wanted to find out what effect drug marijuana can have on sleep problems experienced by people over 50 with chronic pain lasting at least a year..
They evaluated the quality of sleep and pain indicators in 128 people who were treated in a specialized pain clinic: 66 of them used medicinal cannabis to treat sleep problems, and 62 did not.
Overall, one in four (24%) told scientists that they always woke up early and couldn't fall asleep; one in five (20%) reported that it is always difficult for him to fall asleep; and about one in five (27%) said they wake up at night.
Consumers of drug cannabis took the drug for an average of 4 years, about 31 g per month. Most (69%) smoked it, with about 20% using either cannabis oil or inhaling marijuana vapors. After taking into account potentially influential factors, including the average pain score, age, gender, the use of other drugs for good sleep or antidepressants, drug cannabis users.
Further analysis of the sleep patterns of drug cannabis users showed that the frequency of use was associated with greater difficulty falling asleep and more frequent awakening during the night.
“This can signal addiction,” the researchers suggest, although they acknowledge that more frequent users may experience pain or depression / anxiety, which in turn may be associated with more sleep problems, they add.
This is an observational study, and, as such, cannot establish the cause.. Moreover, this study took into account few patients and for more detailed conclusions it is necessary to conduct a larger experiment.
However, the researchers added: “These results have a big impact on public health, given the aging of the population, the relatively high prevalence of sleep problems in this population, along with the increasing use of medicinal cannabis”.
In a second study, scientists wanted to find out whether cannabinoids are active compounds (THC or CBD) and smoking weed is generally a salvation for pain from developing cancer.
They examined clinical trial data comparing the use of cannabinoids with dummy tablets (placebo) or when used in addition to opioids to relieve cancer pain in adults..
They combined data from five relevant studies involving 1,442 people.. The analysis showed that the changes in the average pain intensity did not differ between those who took cannabinoids and those who took placebo.
Moreover, cannabinoids were associated with a significantly higher risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness..
These studies have helped scientists conclude that in order for any medicine to be useful, its pros should outweigh its cons. “This systematic review provides convincing evidence that cannabinoids do not play a role in cancer-related pain, therefore, we cannot recommend medicinal marijuana as a method of alleviating the condition of an oncological patient.”.
med-heal. ru.