Cannabinoids in the Management of Musculoskeletal or Rheumatic Diseases.
The endocannabinoid system impacts pain and inflammation with potential for therapeutic effect on patients with rheumatic diseases. The current treatment options include the herbal product derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, as well as pharmaceutical preparations. The legalization of medicinal cannabis (marijuana) in many jurisdictions and widespread public advocacy has propelled an interest in use either by prescription or self-medication. In this review, we examine current evidence for efficacy and adverse effects of any cannabinoid product in rheumatic conditions. The evidence to date is scant and precludes making recommendations for the use of cannabinoid preparations in rheumatology patients. In particular, the risks of herbal cannabis in patients are not well defined. Anecdote and advocacy cannot supersede sound evidence.
Division of Rheumatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. mary-ann.fitzcharles@muhc.mcgill.ca.|Alan Edwards Pain Management Unit, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada. mary-ann.fitzcharles@muhc.mcgill.ca.|Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, 1650 Cedar ave, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1A4, Canada. mary-ann.fitzcharles@muhc.mcgill.ca.
Mary-Ann
MA
Fitzcharles
Department Internal Medicine I, Klinikum Saarbrücken, Saarbrücken, Germany.|Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
Winfried
W
Häuser
D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002186:Cannabinoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000700:Analgesics; D002186:Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids; Marijuana; Rheumatic disease