Cross-sectional comparison of cannabis use in adults with neuropathic versus non-neuropathic pain
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction Cannabis has been decriminalized by many states and shows promise in treating both neuropathic and non-neuropathic pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system and anti-inflammatory effects. This study examines differences in cannabis use for adults whose most bothersome chronic pain condition is neuropathic vs. non-neuropathic. Materials and methods Survey data were collected from adults receiving care at a pain clinic. Participants completed demographic questions and standardized self-report measures (PROMIS Pain Intensity/Interference and the ID-Pain tool). Participants' most bothersome pain condition(s) were categorized as neuropathic or non-neuropathic pain based on ID-Pain scores. Linear regression models assessed differences in frequency and duration of cannabis product use between groups, adjusting for age and sex. Results A total of 113 individuals were recruited; following exclusions and missing data, 104 participants (61.5% female) were included in the final analysis. Of these, 36.5% reported neuropathic pain as their most bothersome, and 63.5% reported non-neuropathic pain. Those with neuropathic pain reported significantly more days per month of Tetrahydrocannabinol/Cannabidiol (THC/CBD) combination ( b = 5.96, p = 0.02), Cannabidiol-only (CBD-only) ( b = 8.82, p = 0.03), and Tetrahydrocannabinol-only (THC-only) products ( b = 7.04, p = 0.02). They also used THC-only ( b = 0.97, p < 0.05) and THC/CBD ( b = 1.09, p < 0.01) products more frequently per day. Neuropathic pain was positively associated with pain intensity ( b = 4.10, p < 0.001) and interference ( b = 4.95, p < 0.001). Discussion Adults whose most bothersome pain condition(s) were neuropathic used cannabis, especially THC and THC/CBD combination products, more frequently than those whose most bothersome pain was non-neuropathic. Participants with neuropathic pain also reported higher levels of pain intensity and interference. Further longitudinal research is needed to confirm whether increased use of THC-rich cannabis provides symptom relief for adults with neuropathic pain.
Source: Frontiers in Pain Research
Institution: Washington State University Spokane
Language: English
Subfield: Pharmacology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,077
OpenAlex ID: W4417449249