Analgesic effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.

Noyes et al. ·The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology

Mixed GRADE Moderate 273 citations

Samplen = 10 Pat.

DurationSingle dose

ControlPlacebo

EndpointPain relief

Blindingdoppelblind

DesignRCT (Dosis-Eskalation, doppelblind)

Cannabinoidthc

Max. dose20.0 mg

Routeoral

Key finding

Oral THC (15-20 mg) reduces tumor pain significantly better than placebo, but is accompanied by pronounced sedation and mental clouding.

Summary

Pilot study (n=10, cancer patients with tumor pain), oral THC (5/10/15/20 mg) vs. placebo double-blind: significant pain relief compared to placebo at high doses (15 mg and 20 mg); substantial sedation and mental clouding were reported at these doses.

PopulationCancer patients with tumor-related pain, n=10

InterventionOral delta-9-THC, 5/10/15/20 mg, dose escalation, single dose

ControlPlacebo (oral, double-blind)

OutcomeSignificant pain reduction at 15 mg and 20 mg THC vs. placebo; substantial sedation and mental clouding at these dose levels

Confidence in the evidence

Moderate

The third of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is probably reliable.

Downgraded for

Imprecision

Quality profile

Sample size ★★★★★

Blinding Double-blind

Effect size Mixed

Citations / year ★★★★★

Authors

Noyes R, Brunk SF, Baram DA, Canter A.

DOI 10.1002/j.1552-4604.1975.tb02348.x↗

Design: RCT (Dosis-Eskalation, doppelblind)

Abstract

A preliminary trial of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) demonstrated an analgesic effect of the drug in patients experiencing cancer pain. Placebo and 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg THC were administered double blind to ten patients. Pain relief significantly superior to placebo was demonstrated at high dose levels (15 and 20 mg). At these levels, substantial sedation and mental clouding were reported.

The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius