As more and more states rush to legalize medical marijuana, a new study finds scant evidence to support widespread claims that cannabis can be effectively used to treat chronic pain—one of the many conditions for which it is approved and used. In fact, evidence to support such claims is surprisingly thin, according to an analysis of existing studies by Oregon Health & Science University. Although there was short-term benefit from an FDA-approved synthetic marijuana product for pain—along with notable side effects such as dizziness—a study concluded that there’s very little scientifically valid research into most of these products in states that allow medical cannabis, and such studies were not designed to answer important questions about patients with chronic pain. The authors found that there are only sparse and imprecise estimates about the effect of the products, and many of the studies had methodological limitations. Of some 3,000 studies in the scientific literature, only 25 had sufficient scientifically valid evidence, including 18 randomized control studies. Before states legalize medical marijuana for a multitude of conditions, it would be prudent to consult such studies in order to establish if such products actually work, so we can safeguard patient health and safety.
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