Medicinal Cannabis for Treatment of Chronic Pain(Archived)

Excerpt

Chronic pain is a growing widespread health concern across the United States. According to the CDC, chronic pain affects approximately 1 in every 5 Americans, with an estimated cost of $560 billion for medical care and disability. Chronic pain is a multifaceted condition that induces physical, mental, and emotional stress on the body. Therefore, treatment of chronic pain also requires a multifaceted approach, including pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and interventional measures. In light of the recent opioid epidemic, medicinal cannabis has gained traction as a possible treatment for chronic pain. As more states legalize the use of medical marijuana, healthcare professionals must understand the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, role, and controversy of medicinal marijuana in treating chronic pain.