Managing Chronic Pain with Medicinal Cannabis

Chronic pain affects approximately one in five New Zealanders, making it one of the most common health conditions in the country. For many patients, conventional treatments provide limited relief or come with undesirable side effects. Medicinal cannabis offers an alternative approach that is gaining recognition in the medical community.

How medicinal cannabis works for pain

Compounds in cannabis, primarily CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to help regulate pain perception. CBD is non-psychoactive and is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties, while THC may help with pain relief and muscle relaxation.

Conditions commonly treated

New Zealand clinicians may prescribe medicinal cannabis for a variety of pain-related conditions, including:

• Chronic back and neck pain
• Neuropathic pain (nerve pain)
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Endometriosis-related pain
• Migraine and tension headaches

Integrating with your existing treatment plan

Medicinal cannabis is not a replacement for all other treatments. Instead, it is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan that may include physiotherapy, exercise, psychological support, and other medications where appropriate.