Systematically Testing the Evidence on Marijuana

Cannabis for Chronic Pain

If you have chronic pain, you may be considering cannabis as a treatment option.

• Some research suggests that cannabis compounded with equal amounts of THC and CBD may provide a small amount of pain relief, but it can also cause dizziness, nausea, and tiredness.
• Most of the existing research is for neuropathic pain, and there is little evidence on how well cannabis works for other conditions, such as low back pain or arthritis.
• It is worth noting that the cannabis available in dispensaries may be different than what is used in research studies (for example: dosage and ratio of THC to CBD). Stronger doses of cannabis are not associated with improvements in pain.
• If you use cannabis regularly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms like trouble sleeping or anxiety when stopping.
• The long-term effects of cannabis for chronic pain are still unclear, and it’s important to talk to your medical provider before using cannabis so you can understand the risks and benefits. 

For more detailed information about the evidence, see our clinician brief and report on this topic. 

Page Last Reviewed: March 2025