←Neuropathic Pain
Study register · detail RCT · Neuropathic Pain · 2015

Efficacy of Inhaled Cannabis on Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Wallace et al. ·The Journal of Pain Impact 1.0
Clear benefit GRADE Moderate 267 citations
Samplen = 16 Pat.
DurationSingle dose, measurement over…
ControlPlacebo
EndpointSpontaneous pain intensity
Blindingdoppelblind
DesignRCT
Cannabinoidthc
Routeinhalativ
Key finding

Inhaled THC significantly reduces diabetic neuropathy pain dose-dependently versus placebo, with cognitive impairment at high dose.

Summary

n=16 diabetic peripheral neuropathy, vaporized cannabis (1%/4%/7% THC vs. placebo), significant dose-dependent pain reduction on NRS at 4% THC (mean difference -1.60, p0.01) and 7% THC (mean difference -2.10, p0.01), no severe adverse effects.

P
PopulationAdults with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and treatment-refractory pain, n=16
I
InterventionVaporized cannabis with 1% THC (low dose), 4% THC (medium dose) or 7% THC (high dose), each single-dose
C
ControlPlacebo (vaporized, 0% THC)
O
OutcomeSpontaneous pain intensity over 4 hours: significant dose-dependent reduction (p<0.001 overall); placebo vs. low p=0.031, vs. medium p=0.04, vs. high p<0.001; high dose also effective for evoked pain (p<0.001), but cognitive impairment in 2 of 3 tests
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 Clear benefit
Citations / year ★★★★★
Authors
Wallace M S, Marcotte T D, Umlauf A et al.
DOI 10.1016/j.jpain.2015.03.008↗
Design: RCT
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Abstract
(fetched via E-utilities for smoke test)
Indication
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The impediment to action advances action. — Marcus Aurelius