by Joyce V Harrison

Created on: September 19, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

Basically, the experience of pain starts with peripheral nerves that relay it to the spinal cord that sends a message to the thalamus that passes it to other parts of the brain that prompt the emotional reaction as well as the release of pain killers in the body.

According to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, (www.pnas.org/content/96/21/12198.abstract), endogenous cannabinoids in the brain may serve naturally to modulate pain by suppressing pain neurotransmission.

Marijuana contains delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 60 other cannabinoids. These chemicals act like endogenous cannabinoids and target the same receptors, named CB1 and CB2. The more THC, the stronger the marijuana. (A typical cigarette or joint contains .5 grams.)

International studies

An article in the health section of the LA Times (www.latimes.com) cites the historical use of marijuana from pre-biblical times throughout Asia, the Middle East and Africa for relief of pain, stress, even for earaches and childbirth.

Although sale of marijuana in the U.S. was banned in 1937, pharmaceutical companies had previously used THC in medications and medical texts had listed over 100 conditions that could be treated with the cannabis plant.

The LA Times article refers to studies that have shown significant reduction of neuropathic pain (described as a burning sensation to the touch) after smoking marijuana cigarettes: 34% in one case and 46% in another. The "high" did impair thinking but marijuana did not have some of the side effects of medications commonly prescribed for this type of pain.

Studies are limited in how effective cannabis is for treating the tremors, spasms and pain of multiple sclerosis, but results have been positive in European tests.

Health Canada regulations permit the medical use of marijuana (www.medicalmarijuana.ca) for patients with multiple sclerosis and other specific conditions that cause severe pain, including spinal cord injury, cancer, HIV/AIDS infection, severe arthritis and epilepsy seizures.

Researchers have also investigated marijuana's effect on improving appetite for AIDS patients and those with advanced-stage cancer. The nausea and vomiting that comes with chemotherapy is another subject of clinical studies that to date, suggest that marijuana can help give relief.

British scientists are looking at how to develop drugs that block the pain signals by activating receptors in the nervous system just as cannabis does in the brain.

For pain caused by cuts,

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