Cannabis tablet shows rapid effect against pain
A cannabis tablet was associated with same-day pain reduction and improved mood; see what the study found and what the future holds
Pain has a quiet way of taking up space. First, it limits a movement. Then, it interferes with sleep, mood, work, and even the desire to do simple things. Now, a study involving 427 adults has found an association between the use of a cannabis tablet and a 32% reduction in reported pain levels on the same day.
The study tracked participants over 29 days and also identified changes in how pain interfered with daily routines, mood, energy, and overall daily perception. The results were released by LEVEL, the manufacturer of the evaluated product, in partnership with the independent research company MoreBetter.
Cannabis tablet was associated with pain reduction
The study began with seven days of monitoring without the product. After this period, participants used the Relief Protab for 21 days and recorded daily information regarding pain and well-being.
Pain intensity was reported immediately before using the tablet and again in the following hours. The recorded average dropped from 5.26 to 3.56 on a scale from 0 to 10, a reduction of approximately 32%.
According to the released data, the change was statistically significant. The estimated proportion of days when pain interfered moderately or significantly with daily routines also fell from 34% to 22%.
More than just looking at a number, the survey sought to understand how pain behaved in daily life.
LEARN MORE: Cannabis in combating chronic pain: an alternative for 27 million Brazilians
Medical cannabis and pain were also linked to mood
When pain decreases, another important question arises: does the rest of the day change?
That was precisely one of the dimensions the study sought to track. Among participants, the estimated probability of pain negatively affecting mood dropped from 18% to 9% during the analyzed period.
Improvements were also observed in average ratings of mood, energy, and overall daily perception, with changes around 7% to 8%.
The WHO-5 index, used to evaluate well-being, increased from 46.41 to 50.16 over the course of the study, according to the results released by LEVEL.
However, these numbers do not mean that the cannabis tablet necessarily caused the improvement. They show an observed association between the period of product use and the responses recorded by participants.
What was in the cannabis tablet?
The evaluated product was Relief Protab, a cannabinoid formulation by LEVEL.
According to information released by the company, the analyzed tablet contained 10 mg of CBDA, 5 mg of CBG, and 5 mg of CBC. The reported formulation contained no THC.
The composition is a crucial detail. Results observed with a specific formulation cannot be automatically extrapolated to other cannabis-based products, since concentration, cannabinoid combinations, route of administration, and patient characteristics can vary.
Can a cannabis tablet replace pain medications?
The data does not support this claim.
The study also analyzed the use of conventional medications among participants. According to the published results, there were reports of lower doses of pain medications on days when the tablet was also used. However, the proportion of participants using these medications remained relatively stable.
For this reason, the company itself does not present the data as evidence that the product can replace prescribed treatments.
In practice, any change in medications used to treat a health condition should be discussed with the supervising healthcare professional.
LEARN MORE: Benefits, challenges, and evidence in using cannabis for pain treatment
Does the study prove that cannabis reduces pain?
Not yet.
This is perhaps the most important point for anyone coming across the news and considering turning the findings into a treatment decision.
The study was observational and did not include a placebo group. Furthermore, participants knew they were using the product, and the results were largely based on self-reported information.
What do the results add to cannabis research?
The value of the study lies precisely in observing a specific formulation in individuals living with daily pain.
Throughout the 29 days, researchers monitored not only pain intensity, but also its interference with daily routines and well-being indicators.
The published results indicate a 32% reduction in reported pain in the hours following use, as well as improvements in certain measures of mood and quality of life.