The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is looking for more information on how both cannabis and the synthetic substance known as kratom can help to treat chronic pain.
Specifically, the federal agency is expecting to compile useful research studies that elaborate on the potential of plant-based medicine as a replacement for opioid medications. “Some data suggest that cannabinoids may have analgesic properties, though research in this area is mixed,” AHRQ stated. They also added that based on the studies, THC “has demonstrated analgesic properties, though its psychoactive effects and abuse potential increase its risk and suitability as an analgesic.” The general public is encouraged to submit research based on these guidelines by January 4, 2021.
Once the agency acquires a suitable number of studies, it plans to review each one carefully in hopes of answering these questions in relation to adults who suffer from chronic pain:
- What are the benefits/harms of cannabinoids?
- What are the benefits/harms of kratom or other plant-based substances for treatment of chronic pain?
The agency also addressed the efficacy of non-psychoactive cannabis compounds like CBD, CBG and CBC, which “may also have some analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties and are not thought to be psychoactive or addictive, but these cannabinoids may not be as potent as THC.” It also addressed the known concern that other studies found “too little evidence to draw meaningful conclusions on either benefits or harms” of these substances.
According to the agency, if cannabis was no longer a Schedule I substance, it would be more readily available to treat pain, which could help a lot with the opiate crisis. “Although some [plant-based compounds] thought to reduce pain are currently classified as Schedule I by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the recent legalization of cannabis by several states may lead to more, and higher quality, research on them,” AHRQ stated. “Initiatives to develop and study alternative interventions for chronic pain are expected to contribute to this increase in research on PBCs, specifically for pain.”
