Cannaboids are effective as analgesics and antiemetics but have side effects

Cannaboids are no more effective than codeine in controlling pain and have depressant effects on the central nervous system that limit their use. They should not be used for postoperative pain, and more randomised controlled trials are needed before they can be considered for treating spasticity and neuropathic pain. These findings come from a systematic review conducted by Campbell et al (p 13), who analysed nine eligible randomised controlled trials where cannabis, administered by any route, was used in managing patients' pain. The trials involved 222 patients; five related to cancer pain, two to chronic malignant pain, and two to acute postoperative pain. None evaluated cannabis, only cannaboids.

In another systematic review, involving 30 randomised controlled trials and 1366 patients, Tramèr et al (p 16) found that in selected patients cannaboids are superior to conventional antiemetics such as prochlorperazine and metoclopramide in chemotherapy. Side effects are common and although some, such as euphoria, may be beneficial, others such as dysphoria, depression, and hallucinations, even when taken for short term use, are likely to limit their widespread use. However, many patients still preferred them.

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