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Cannabis not safe for pain

Cannabis not safe for pain

A study reviewed in the British Medical Journal does not support ingested cannabis use for pain. The conclusions were-

“Cannabinoids are no more effective than codeine in controlling pain and have depressant effects on the central nervous system that limit their use. Their widespread introduction into clinical practice for pain management is therefore undesirable. In acute postoperative pain they should not be used.” and,

“the adverse effects of cannabinoids outweigh their effectiveness.” and,

“Adverse effects associated with the cannabinoids were common and sometimes severe…” and,

“Cannabis is clearly unlikely to usurp existing effective treatments for postoperative pain.” and,

Adverse side effects of cannabis identified were psychomotor impairment, cognitive impairment, anxiety, panic attacks, acute psychosis, paranoia, dry mouth, blurred vision, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, mental clouding, ataxia, dizziness, numbness, disorientation, disconnected thought, slurred speech, muscle twitching, impared memory, drowsiness and depression of the central nervous system.

(Source: British Medical Journal 7 July 2001 Vol 323)