Cancer
Study register · detail Cancer · 1975

The analgesic properties of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and codeine.

No direction reported
Sample
Summary

Clinical study with oral THC (single dose) in patients with cancer pain: THC showed a mild analgesic effect. 20 mg THC caused treatment-limiting side effects (somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, visual disturbances) and in some cases alarming reactions; 10 mg was well tolerated and was analgesically effective despite its sedative effect. Caveat: very small, old single-dose study, narrow therapeutic window.

Authors
Noyes R, Brunk SF, Avery DA, Canter AC.
Share
Abstract
The administration of single oral doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to patients with cancer pain demonstrated a mild analgesic effect. At a dose of 20 mg, however, THC induced side effects that would prohibit its therapeutic use including somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, and blurred vision. Alarming adverse reactions were also observed at this dose. THC, 10 mg, was well tolerated and, despite its sedative effect, may analgesic potential.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius