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Analgesic Effect of delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alone and of a 1:1 delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol: Cannabidiol Formulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain: Two Pilot Studies


F Goldstein, K Galluzzi, B Bach, M Brown, J Smith, J Lubeck, M Lent

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Affiliationer

These ongoing preliminary studies explore the efficacy of delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (THC) alone and in a 1:1 combination with cannabidiol (CBD) in subjects with neuropathic pain (NP) in a dose-controlled process using oral formulations. Eligible subjects are 18 to 75 years of age with a diagnosis of NP existing for two or more months, not currently using marijuana or any related substances, and available to be seen weekly. On a daily basis they complete a 0–10 pain diary three times, and record how much of their pain medications are taken. Study One: Clinical Study of Food and Drug Administration-Approved THC. Weeks 1 and 2 establish baseline pain scores and analgesic usage. Week 3: dosing initiated; 5 mg capsule orally at bedtime. Weeks 4 to 6: dose increased 5 mg daily per week to 20 mg daily in Week 6. Thus far, six subjects completed full up-titration. Average pain scores decreased more than 2 points. Study Two: Observation Study. THC plus CBD in a 1:1 ratio. Results from three study subjects show an average reduction in approximately 2 or more points from Week 1 (2.5 mg) to Week 4 (15 mg). A fourth had a drop of almost 3 points from Week 1 (2.5 mg) to Week 4 (10 mg). In conclusion, preliminary pilot study data suggest that treatment with THC alone or in combination with CBD may relate to less chronic neuropathic pain and improved sleep after 4 weeks of up-titrating the doses. A greater number of participants is needed to clarify further these potential relationships. Study One: Supported by PCOM Department of Research. Study Two: Supported by Organic Remedies.