Scientists found a cannabis compound that relieves pain without the high
Key takeaways
- Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have identified compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant that may offer a new way to treat fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain.
- "This study was the first to investigate the impact of terpenes in preclinical models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain and expand the scope of potential pain-relieving treatments using terpenes."
- Cannabis Terpenes Show Strong Pain Relief
Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have identified compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant that may offer a new way to treat fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain. The findings, published in Pharmacological Reports, add to growing evidence that certain cannabis-derived molecules could help relieve chronic pain without causing the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
The study builds on earlier work from the lab of John Streicher, Ph D, a member of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction, which found that terpenes could reduce pain in models of inflammation and chemotherapy-related nerve damage.
"Our research is showing that terpenes are not a good option for reducing acute pain resulting from an injury, such as stubbing your toe or touching a hot stove; however, we are seeing significant reductions in pain when terpenes are used for chronic or pathological pain," said Streicher, who is a professor in the U of A College of Medicine -- Tucson's Department of Pharmacology. "This study was the first to investigate the impact of terpenes in preclinical models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain and expand the scope of potential pain-relieving treatments using terpenes."