Cannabis relieves pain after surgery

[Posted: Wed 17/05/2006 - www.irishhealth.com]

Cannabis is effective at providing pain relief after major surgery, such as knee replacement, the results of a new study indicate.

The study involved a cannabis plant extract called Cannador. A team of researchers tested this extract on 65 patients who had previously undergone surgery.

Eleven of the patients received a 5mg dose, 30 received a 10mg dose and 24 received a 15mg dose.

During the study, all of those who had received a 5mg dose requested additional pain relief. However only 15 of those on the 10mg dose needed additional relief, while just six on the highest dose needed more relief.

In fact, the higher the dose, the lower the pain intensity.

"Pain after surgery continues to be a problem because many of the commonly used drugs are either ineffective or have too many side effects. These results show that cannabinoids are effective and may lead to the development of a wider range of drugs to manage post-operative pain", said Dr Anita Holdcroft, lead researcher from Imperial College London.

These findings, the researchers added, prove that cannabinoids 'can be effective, with minimal side effects at low doses'.

Details of the trial are published in the journal, Anesthesiology.

evie  Posted: 22/05/2006 22:15

would cannabis relive all sort of pain?

Bill(RPM47188)  Posted: 24/05/2006 10:35

Cannabis has been used as a pain relief since pre-hristian times, and can be helpfull in pain-relief, organ repair, alleviation of depression, etc etc... Not just "Cannador", but "Sativex", and best of all, herbal cannabis of the "Indica" varities. The question is why do the pharmeutical ompanies and governments make it a crime to use any cannabis except their own "extracts"? answer...the money of course.

P(PRafter)  Posted: 25/05/2006 23:21

Evie, the only way to find out is by trying it, but if you're caught you'll end up in court for your trouble. 'Nice way to treat people who want to use the oldest known pain-remedy. I can't agree with you, Bill, I think sativa varieties are most efficacious for pain-relief. Then again, maybe I'm biased because sativa is the most fun you can have, fully dressed. 'Just my opinion! Thank you.

Eva  Posted: 29/05/2006 10:32

I can't confirm this but a friend of mine (in her 30's) recently confided that she has been using cannabis for period pain ever since she had her first baby - almost 6 years ago. She claims it's much more effective than ibuprofen or even ponstan forte. Given that her other option is surgery she feels that she doesn't have much choice in the matter really. As I say, i can't confirm as period pain is not something I've ever suffered from.

Bill(RPM47188)  Posted: 29/05/2006 12:25

P(PRafter), In some ways, you are right, Sativas do provide pain relief, particularly for \"cerebral\" pains, such as depression, and sensory erosion especially that of humour. Indicas tend to be more efficacious in the treatment of bone and muscle strain. Best of all are the newer \"breedings\", a mixture of both. I use \"B52\", which is, I believe , of american stock. By the way, I`m in the U.K.,(Wales) whih is slowly becoming more tolerant to the idea that cannabis can actually improve the health of \"the individual\", and thus the collective health of \"the tribe\". Portugal, Spain, and of course Holland have long legalised the consumption of cannabis by \"their citizens\". Perhaps, Evie, if you search through the websites that promote the medical use of cannabis, you will find people with the same \"complaint\" as yourself. Peace.

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