Opioids are widely recognized for their effectiveness in pain management; however, their associated well-being effects often lead to indiscriminate use, both clinically and in drug addiction. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the uncontrolled use of opioid derivatives, resulting in high rates of abuse and dependence, culminating in drastic fatal statistics. Long-term use causes tolerance, meaning patients or abusers need progressively higher doses for the same effect.
In this context, medicinal cannabis has emerged as a powerful agent capable of combining therapeutic effects and assisting in reducing opioid use, given the potential of substances like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to modulate pain perceptions and reduce the intensity and frequency of pain stimuli.
Beyond relieving chronic pain, CBD and THC function as adjuncts in tapering strategies for patients using opioids, antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and other dependency-causing medications. Cannabinoids also help combat common adverse effects of these medications, such as irritability, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, and fatigue.
Specifically regarding opioids, it is noteworthy that there is a synergistic effect when combined with cannabinoids, preventing the development of opioid tolerance and, consequently, avoiding the need for dosage increases.
Regarding the analgesic properties of phytocannabinoids, it is important to highlight the potential of THC in modulating unpleasant pain-related perceptions. THC acts as a partial agonist of CB1 endocannabinoid receptors, which are widely present in the Central Nervous System. Additionally, THC is a valuable antispasmodic and muscle relaxant, particularly useful in cases of chronic pain associated with spasticity. Notably, THC's psychotoxic potential is minimal in an assertive prescription context, unlike opioids, which have significantly higher psychotoxic potential and overdose risk. This psychotoxic effect has a direct correlation with catastrophic outcomes for individuals exposed to opioids.
Several studies demonstrate the reduction of opioid use when cannabinoids are included. Thus, cannabinoids can be considered an effective strategy in chronic pain therapy and in reducing opioid use.
The Role of Cannabis in Reducing Opioid Use
The use of opioids is widely known for pain management, but their effects related to well-being often lead to indiscriminate use, both clinically and in drug addiction. In recent years, we have witnessed a significant increase in the uncontrolled use of opioid derivatives, with high rates of abuse and dependence resulting in drastic fatal statistics. Long-term use causes tolerance, meaning the patient or abuser needs increasingly higher doses for the same effect.
In this context, medicinal cannabis has been consolidating as a powerful agent capable of combining therapeutic effects and helping to reduce opioid use, considering the potential of substances such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) to modulate pain perceptions and reduce the intensity and frequency of painful stimuli.
In addition to acting on chronic pain relief, CBD and THC function as adjuvants in tapering strategies for patients using opioids, antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and other dependence-causing medications. Cannabinoids also have properties that help combat common adverse effects of these medications, such as irritability, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, and fatigue.
Specifically regarding opioids, it is interesting to note that there is a synergistic effect in the association with cannabinoids, preventing the development of opioid tolerance and, consequently, avoiding the need to increase the dosage.
As for the analgesic properties of phytocannabinoids, it is important to emphasize the potential of THC in modulating unpleasant pain-related perceptions by being a partial agonist of CB1 endocannabinoid receptors widely present in the Central Nervous System. Moreover, THC is a valuable antispasmodic and muscle relaxant, being very useful in cases of chronic pain associated with spasticity. It is also important to note that THC's psychotoxic potential is minimal in an assertive prescription context, unlike opioids, whose psychotoxic potential and overdose risk are significantly higher. This psychotoxic effect has a direct correlation with catastrophic effects on individuals exposed to opioids.
There are several studies demonstrating the reduction of opioid use when we associate them with cannabinoids. Therefore, we can say that cannabinoids are an effective strategy in chronic pain therapy and in reducing opioid use.