An extract of the cannabis plant provides pain relief for patients after major surgery a study by Imperial College London and the Medical Research Council has shown.
The trial, published today in Anesthesiology, has shown that the cannabis plant extract Cannador can be “effective” at managing post-operative pain arising from procedures such as knee replacements.
Dr Anita Holdcroft, from Imperial College London, and lead researcher explained that “many of the commonly used drugs are either ineffective or have too many side effects.”
Researchers tested Cannador on 65 patients who had previously undergone surgery. 11 people received a 5mg dose, 30 received a 10mg dose, and 24 received a 15mg dose.
All patients who received a 5mg dose requested additional pain relief however only 15 of those who received the 10mg dose and 6 of those on the 15mg dose did so.
Professor Mervyn Maze, also of Imperial College, said researches “thought cannabis might be beneficial in helping manage pain following surgery, as previous research indicated cannabinoids help top up the bodys natural system for reducing pain sensation. This research proves it can be effective, with minimal side effects at low doses.”
