Cannabis gegen Schmerzen: Alternative zu herkömmlichen Schmerzmitteln?

Cannabis for pain: an alternative to conventional painkillers?

Does cannabis really help with pain?

CBD & HHC

The medicinal effects of cannabis as a painkiller have not yet been fully scientifically proven. However, there is evidence that the cannabinoids contained in hemp—especially THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) —may have a pain-relieving effect.

This article explains how cannabis and CBD can help with pain , who is prescribed cannabis as a painkiller, and what alternatives are available.

When is cannabis prescribed as a painkiller?

Conventional painkillers often have severe side effects. Therefore, some physicians rely on medical cannabis for pain management, especially for patients with chronic pain . These include:

  • Cancer patients
  • People with multiple sclerosis
  • Patients with nerve pain (neuropathic pain)

Since cannabis is only available on prescription in Germany, it is usually only prescribed after other treatment options have been exhausted.

How does cannabis work against pain?

Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) . This system plays an important role in pain regulation , acting on the nervous and immune systems via CB1 and CB2 receptors .

  • CB1 receptors are located mainly in the brain and can have pain-relieving and calming effects.
  • CB2 receptors are part of the immune system and can have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Studies show that cannabis may be effective, particularly for chronic pain , such as neuropathic or peripheral pain. However, scientific evidence is not yet available.

What side effects can cannabis have?

Because THC has an intoxicating effect , medical cannabis may only be used in Germany with a doctor's prescription. Possible side effects include:

✅ Fatigue
✅ Heart palpitations
✅ Dry mouth
✅ Hallucinations
✅ Depressive moods

To minimize these side effects, cannabis is usually prescribed in small doses .

What alternatives are there to cannabis?

A legal and over-the-counter alternative is CBD (cannabidiol) . Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and can be purchased as a dietary supplement .

CBD products are available in different forms:
✔ CBD oil (for oral use)
✔ CBD spray
✔ CBD cosmetics
✔ CBD for inhalation (vape)

The production of CBD products is subject to strict regulations . In Germany, they may only be extracted from certified hemp varieties and contain a maximum of 0.2% THC .

CBD for pain: effectiveness and dosage

Many people report positive experiences with CBD for pain relief . However, these reports are subjective, as there is no conclusive scientific evidence yet.

The correct CBD dosage depends on the intensity of the pain:

  • Mild pain → 5–10% CBD oil, 3 drops twice daily
  • Severe pain → Higher dose or a CBD oil with higher CBD content

Since every body reacts differently, the dosage should be adjusted individually.

Conclusion: Cannabis and CBD as painkillers – a sensible option?

Cannabis is already used as a painkiller in medicine, particularly for chronic diseases such as cancer or multiple sclerosis . However, its use in Germany is only permitted with a doctor's prescription.

CBD, on the other hand, is legally available and offers a non-intoxicating alternative. However, whether CBD actually helps with pain has not yet been scientifically proven.

Anyone suffering from chronic pain should discuss their options with a doctor or pain management specialist to find the best treatment option.

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