Daily Marijuana Use May Worsen Pain Over Time

 

As the marijuana industry expands its reach, more individuals may contemplate the use of marijuana as a medicine. Data shows that as many as 35% of primary care patients report medical use of marijuana, most commonly for treatment of pain. This idea has historically been a controversial one due to the lack of extensive evidence and mixed opinions from medical care professionals.

A 2023 study performed by the Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavior Sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical University provided some insight into whether marijuana helps chronic pain by using a cold pressor test (CPT) to measure pain tolerance. CPT tests are performed by submerging a participant’s forearm in a tub of ice water for as long as the patient can tolerate it before needing to withdraw, or three minutes. Results published in The American Journal on Addictions, revealed that study participants who used marijuana daily had significantly decreased pain tolerance when compared to study participants who didn’t use marijuana (Zhang-James, Wyon, Grapsas, & Johnson, 2023).

Such results suggest that use of daily marijuana may actually worsen chronic pain over time by reducing pain tolerance. Additionally, daily marijuana users may also risk addiction. This is why it is important for primary care providers and patients to research all options and consider overall risks before recommending or using medical marijuana for pain management.