A preliminary double-blind clinical trial found that oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produced significant pain relief in patients with cancer pain. In the 10-patient study, THC doses of 15 and 20 mg provided significantly greater analgesic effects than placebo.

The study’s main clinical takeaway is that THC showed a measurable analgesic effect at higher oral doses, but the benefit was accompanied by dose-limiting central nervous system side effects. In practical terms, the findings suggest a potential role for THC in cancer pain management while also underscoring the importance of balancing pain relief against sedation, cognitive impairment, and overall tolerability.

“A preliminary trial of oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) demonstrated an analgesic effect of the drug in patients experiencing cancer pain. Placebo and 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg THC were administered double blind to ten patients. Pain relief significantly superior to placebo was demonstrated at high dose levels (15 and 20 mg). At these levels, substantial sedation and mental clouding were reported.”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1091664

https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/j.1552-4604.1975.tb02348.x

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