Before we get to the results of this Cochrane Review, let’s ask and answer one basic question.
What’s a Cochrane Review?
A Cochrane Review is a specific kind of meta-analysis: a study of available studies. It’s one of the most rigorous methods in the research arena. The Cochrane Review website provides an easy to understand summary of what a Cochrane Review is.
Let’s Look At This Cochrane Review of Cannabis-Based Medicines
On January 29, 2026 a Cochrane Review was published looking at cannabis-based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults.
Here’s the citation:
Ateş G, Welsch P, Klose P, Phillips T, Lambers B, Häuser W, Radbruch L. Cannabis‐based medicines for chronic neuropathic pain in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2026, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD012182. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012182.pub3.
What were the objectives of the study?
To assess the benefits and harms of cannabis‐based medicines (herbal, plant‐based, synthetic) compared to placebo or conventional drugs for chronic neuropathic pain conditions in adults.
What were the eligibility criteria?
We selected randomised, double‐blind controlled trials of medical cannabis, plant‐derived and synthetic cannabinoids, against placebo or any other active treatment for chronic neuropathic pain conditions in adults, with a treatment duration of at least two weeks. We excluded studies whose double‐blind duration was less than two weeks and studies which did not explicitly state that the pain was of a neuropathic nature.
What outcomes were evaluated?
Critical outcomes were the number of participants reporting pain relief of at least 50%, a Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) rating of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved, serious adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events.
What were the authors’ conclusions?
Their plain-language key messages are as follows:
Due to a lack of robust evidence, the benefits and harms of cannabis‐based medicines are unclear.
Larger, well‐designed studies including people with serious internal diseases (e.g. heart, kidney) and mental disorders are needed to give better estimates of the benefits and harms of cannabis‐based medicines.
Here’s their more technical breakdown of what they found and didn’t find:
There is no clear evidence for an effect of THC‐dominant medicines on pain relief of 50% or greater, PGIC ratings of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved, withdrawals due to adverse events, and serious adverse events (very low‐certainty evidence).
There is no clear evidence for an effect of THC/CBD‐balanced medicines on pain relief of 50% or greater and serious adverse events (very low‐certainty evidence). They may increase PGIC ratings of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved, and withdrawals due to adverse events (low‐certainty evidence).
There is no clear evidence for an effect of CBD‐dominant medicines on pain relief of 50% or greater (very low‐certainty evidence). They may increase or decrease PGIC ratings of ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improved, serious adverse events, and withdrawals due to adverse events (low‐certainty evidence).
Another Cochrane Review of Potential Interest
Did you know there’s a Cochrane Review examining the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous?
If you’d like to have a glance at it, you can find it here.
The citation is below.
Kelly JF, Humphreys K, Ferri M. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12‐step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD012880. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012880.pub2.
