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Medical Cannabis for Headache Pain: a Primer for Clinicians

  • Hot Topics in Pain and Headache (N Rosen, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Public acceptance of Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) as a therapeutic option grows despite lags in both research and clinician familiarity. Cannabis—whether as a medical, recreational, or illicit substance—is and has been commonly used by patients. With ongoing decriminalization efforts, decreased perception of harms, and increased use of cannabis in the treatment of symptoms and disease, it is critical for clinicians to understand the rationale for specific therapies and their medical and practical implications for patients. In view of the opioid crisis, overall patient dissatisfaction, and lack of adherence to current chronic pain and headache therapies, this review provides up-to-date knowledge on cannabis as a potential treatment option for headache pain.

Recent Findings

Research into the use of cannabinoids for disease treatment have led to FDA-approved drugs for seizures, nausea, and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy; and for decreased appetite and weight loss in people with HIV/AIDS. For a wide variety of conditions and symptoms (including chronic pain), cannabis has gained increasing acceptance in society. The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in pain pathways have been significantly elucidated. An increasing number of retrospective studies have shown a decrease in pain scores after administration of cannabinoids, as well as long-term benefits such as reduced opiate use. Yet, there is no FDA-approved cannabis product for headache or other chronic pain disorders. More is being done to determine who is likely to benefit from cannabis as well as to understand the long-term effects and limitations of the treatment.

Summary

Cannabis can refer to a number of products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa L. Relatively well-tolerated, these products come in different configurations, types, and delivery forms. Specific formulations of the plant have been shown to be an effective treatment modality for chronic pain, including headache. It is important for clinicians to know which product is being discussed as well as the harms, benefits, contraindications, interactions, and unknowns in order to provide the best counsel for patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northwell Health Physician Partners, Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 611 Northern Blvd, Great Neck, NY, 11021, USA

    Robert A. Duarte

  2. Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 611 Northern Blvd, Suite 150, Great Neck, NY, 11021, USA

    Robert A. Duarte

  3. Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Stephen Dahmer

  4. Vireo Health, Queens, NY, USA

    Stephen Dahmer

  5. Department of Neurology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA

    Shayna Y. Sanguinetti

  6. Neurological Services, North American Partners in Pain Management, 1991 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, NY, 11050, USA

    Grace Forde

  7. The University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

    Diana P. Duarte

  8. Frier Levitt Attorneys at Law, Pine Brook, USA

    Lawrence F. Kobak

  9. New York State Pain Society, Syosset, USA

    Lawrence F. Kobak

Authors
  1. Robert A. Duarte
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  2. Stephen Dahmer
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  3. Shayna Y. Sanguinetti
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  4. Grace Forde
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  5. Diana P. Duarte
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  6. Lawrence F. Kobak
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Correspondence to Robert A. Duarte.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Hot Topics in Pain and Headache

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Duarte, R.A., Dahmer, S., Sanguinetti, S.Y. et al. Medical Cannabis for Headache Pain: a Primer for Clinicians. Curr Pain Headache Rep 25, 64 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-021-00974-z

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