Does cannabis really help with pain?

Chronic or recurring pain can significantly impair daily life, mobility, and quality of life. Many affected individuals therefore seek complementary options and sooner or later come across cannabis, cannabidiol – better known as CBD – and other cannabinoids.

But can cannabis actually relieve pain? The honest answer is: This cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.

Key factors include the type of pain, the product used, the active ingredients it contains, the dosage, and the individual's health situation. Equally important is the distinction between medically prescribed cannabis and freely available hemp products.

Cannabis, CBD, and Medical Cannabis are not the Same Thing

The term cannabis is often used in everyday language for very different products, which can quickly lead to false expectations.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is used as part of a doctor-supervised treatment. This includes, for example, standardized cannabis flowers, extracts, or medicines containing specific cannabinoids.

Whether such treatment is appropriate is decided by the treating doctor based on the illness, previous therapies, potential risks, and individual circumstances. Medical cannabis is prescribed in Germany and dispensed by pharmacies.

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short, is primarily known for the intoxicating effect of cannabis. It can also influence various physical and psychological processes.

THC-containing medicines can be used in certain medical situations. At the same time, unwanted side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, concentration problems, or changes in perception may occur.

CBD

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is another natural component of the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD usually does not cause a comparable intoxicating effect.

CBD is offered in numerous product categories. However, a freely available CBD or hemp product is not automatically a medicine and should not be equated with a medically prescribed cannabis preparation.

How do cannabinoids affect the body?

The human body has a so-called endocannabinoid system. This consists, among other things, of the body's own messenger substances, receptors, and enzymes.

The system is involved in various bodily processes, such as the processing of stimuli, mood, sleep, appetite, and certain immune responses. Cannabinoids from the hemp plant can interact with parts of this system.

However, this biological interaction does not automatically mean that every cannabis or CBD product effectively treats pain. There is a significant difference between a theoretically explainable effect and a medically proven treatment success.

What does research say about cannabis for pain?

Cannabis-based medicines are particularly frequently studied and medically prescribed in connection with chronic pain. Chronic pain was also the most common reason for treatment in the German accompanying study on medical cannabis.

Studies include, among others:

• Neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage or disease,
• Pain associated with severe or chronic diseases,
• Painful muscle spasms and spasticity,
• Certain accompanying symptoms of severe diseases.

Nevertheless, the study situation is not conclusive. A recent Cochrane review on chronic neuropathic pain found no clear, robust evidence that THC-dominant, combined THC-CBD, or CBD-dominant medications achieve strong pain reduction in a large proportion of treated individuals. The quality of the available evidence was rated as low or very low in several areas. 

This does not mean that no one can benefit. Rather, it means that individual experiences cannot automatically be transferred to all patients.

Is cannabis an alternative to traditional painkillers?

Cannabis should not be generally presented as a natural substitute for conventional painkillers.

Classic pain medications differ greatly in their mode of action. The same applies to cannabis-based medicines. Which treatment is suitable depends on the cause of the pain, previous therapy, concomitant diseases, and possible interactions.

In serious illnesses, medical cannabis may be considered under certain circumstances as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, the decision belongs in the hands of a doctor.

Already prescribed medications should never be independently reduced, replaced, or discontinued.

What side effects and risks are possible?

Even herbal active ingredients are not automatically free of risks.

Depending on the active ingredient, dosage, and individual reaction, the following undesirable effects may occur, among others:

• Fatigue or drowsiness,
• Dizziness,
• Concentration and reaction problems,
• Changes in mood or perception,
• Interactions with other medications,
• For THC-containing products, a possible risk of dependence and problematic use.

Particular caution is required during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with pre-existing mental health conditions, when taking other medications simultaneously, and when driving. Medical guidelines therefore recommend individually discussing the benefits, risks, interactions, and effects on driving ability before treatment.

What should you look for in freely available hemp products?

Consumers should not be guided solely by high percentage figures, eye-catching packaging, or general claims of efficacy.

Important quality features are:

• A clear and complete product description,
• Clear information on ingredients and product category,
• Traceable origin,
• Transparent information from the retailer,
• Instructions for intended use,
• Where applicable, available laboratory or analysis information,
• Realistic communication without promises of healing.

Reputable providers should clearly explain what type of product it is and what it is intended for.

Why personal consultation remains important

Pain can have numerous causes. It can arise from injuries, inflammation, wear and tear, nerve damage, diseases of internal organs, or other health problems.

Especially severe, new, long-lasting, or unexplained pain should be medically investigated. An internet article or freely available product cannot replace a diagnosis and individually tailored treatment.

Conclusion: Cannabis is not a universal miracle cure for pain

Cannabinoids are a serious area of research. Medical cannabis is already used for certain serious illnesses, often also in connection with chronic pain.

However, scientific results vary depending on the type of pain, active ingredient, and preparation. A safe and reliable effect for every person has not been proven.

The clear distinction between medical cannabis products and freely available hemp or CBD products is particularly important. Those interested in hemp products should pay attention to transparent product information, traceable quality, and factual communication.

Consciously choose hemp products

At Liebermann Hanf Industries, you will find selected hemp products with clear product information and precise details on their respective use.

[Discover hemp products in the online shop]

Our freely available products are not medicines and are not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of diseases. For health problems, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD reliably help with pain?

A reliable pain-relieving effect of freely available CBD products cannot be generally guaranteed. Research results depend on the disease, the product, its composition, and the dosage studied.

Is CBD the same as medical cannabis?

No. Medical cannabis is prescribed by a doctor and used under medical supervision. A freely available CBD or hemp product is not automatically a medicine.

Can I replace prescribed painkillers with cannabis?

Not without consulting a doctor. Medications should never be discontinued or replaced independently.

Does CBD cause intoxication?

CBD usually does not cause the intoxicating effect typical of THC. However, the composition and quality of the specific product must still be considered.

When should I see a doctor for pain?

Severe, recurrent, increasing, suddenly appearing, or unexplained pain should be medically evaluated. This is especially true if other symptoms such as fever, numbness, paralysis, shortness of breath, or severe weakness occur.

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