Marijuana pain relief: A safer alternative to opioids

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Marijuana pain relief: A safer alternative to opioids

Marijuana pain relief: A safer alternative to opioids

Subheading text
Cannabis products containing a high concentration of cannabidiol may help with chronic pain management.
    • Author:
    • Author name
      Quantumrun Foresight
    • June 16, 2022

    Insight summary

    The rise of CBD (cannabidiol) as a pain relief alternative is shaking up healthcare, policy, and business landscapes. Research-backed effectiveness of CBD for pain management is steering doctors away from addictive opioid prescriptions, leading to new startups and shifts in pharmaceutical focus. As CBD gains cultural acceptance and integrates into everyday products, governments are rethinking cannabis laws, opening up economic opportunities and new challenges in agriculture and regulation.

    Marijuana pain relief context

    Opioid-based pain treatments manufactured by pharmaceutical companies are highly effective in managing pain, yet patients can quickly become addicted to these drugs. Research has emerged that shows that the marijuana/cannabis plant can help the body produce pain-relieving compounds 30 times as effective as aspirin. However, cannabis is still illegal in many countries worldwide, which has stymied scientific research into its therapeutic properties.

    Nonetheless, as more countries relax their cannabis prohibitions, more research has been conducted that suggests that the plant has significant value as a healthcare treatment. In April 2021, Syracuse University published research on the pain-relieving effects of CBD. CBD is not psychoactive, meaning that it does not produce a "high" but can still reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, the University of Guelph published research on CBD's role in making two key molecules in the body called cannflavins A and B. These molecules are 30 times more effective at reducing inflammation than acetylsalicylic acid (colloquially known as aspirin). As a result, some scientists have suggested that CBD can be an effective alternative to current pharmaceutical pain medications and reduce the likelihood of patient addiction. 

    Scientists in Canada have also researched the biosynthetic pathway for cannflavins A and B. Researchers have used sequenced genomes to create natural health products that contain these molecules, a vital initiative as cannabis plants do not naturally produce enough anti-inflammatory molecules to have a significant effect. Other researchers have suggested that patients benefit through a placebo effect when administered CBD. For example, participants in their research group experienced some pain relief due to their patients' expectations concerning CBD's therapeutic properties. 

    Disruptive impact

    As research continues to validate its effectiveness, the CBD market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating it could be worth over USD $20 billion by 2024. This surge in market value may encourage the launch of startups specializing in CBD-based treatments, thereby diversifying healthcare options for patients. These new ventures could develop various products, from topical creams to ingestible oils, that offer alternative, more natural methods for pain management.

    As the CBD market matures in certain countries, there's a ripple effect on national policies and regulations. Governments that have been hesitant to embrace cannabis may reconsider their stance, enticed by the economic benefits of participating in this burgeoning industry. This policy shift could be particularly appealing for developing countries looking for specialized markets to tap into. By dedicating a portion of their agricultural output to cannabis cultivation, these nations could become key players in supplying raw materials for CBD products, boosting their economies and creating jobs.

    The integration of CBD into everyday products like food also presents a unique opportunity. As consumer interest grows, food manufacturers may open specialized divisions focused on CBD-infused items, ranging from beverages to snacks. This trend could normalize the use of CBD for pain relief and other health benefits, making it as commonplace as vitamins or other dietary supplements. For governments, this could mean new avenues for taxation and regulation, ensuring product safety while also benefiting from the market's economic potential.

    Implications of cannabis being used to create pain relief products

    Wider implications of cannabis and CBD being increasingly applied to create pain management products and treatments may include: 

    • Reduced opioid addiction rates in countries with high numbers of cases, as doctors shift toward prescribing CBD products as a safer alternative for pain management.
    • Improved quality of life for patients dealing with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, as they gain access to more effective and less harmful treatment options.
    • Increased cultural acceptance of cannabis products, moving toward a level of social acceptance similar to that of alcohol, which could reshape social norms and gatherings.
    • New businesses emerging to tap into the CBD market, creating a surge in demand for professionals with expertise in chemical engineering, bioengineering, and botany.
    • A shift in pharmaceutical business models to include a focus on plant-based therapies, as consumer demand for natural alternatives to synthetic drugs grows.
    • The rise of specialized agricultural practices dedicated to cannabis cultivation, leading to advancements in sustainable farming techniques tailored for this specific crop.
    • A decline in the illicit drug trade, as the legalization and regulation of cannabis products make them more accessible and safer for consumers.
    • The development of new technologies for the extraction and refinement of CBD, leading to more efficient production methods and lower costs for consumers.
    • Environmental concerns arising from large-scale cannabis cultivation, such as water usage and pesticide runoff, prompting the need for sustainable agricultural practices in the industry.

    Questions to consider

    • Do you think CBD products can replace opioids as the primary option for chronic pain management? 
    • What are the potential disadvantages of the increasing popularity of CBD products? 

    Insight references

    The following popular and institutional links were referenced for this insight: