RELATED STUDY
Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis
Key Findings: After 3 months treatment, medical cannabis improved quality of life, reduced pain and opioid use, and led to cost savings. Patient monthly analgesic prescription costs decreased from $354.70 pre-treatment to $241.10 post-treatment.
Type of Study: Clinical Trial
Study Sample Size: 29
Study Result: Positive
Research Location(s): United States
Year of Pub: 2018
Cannabinoids Studied: Cannabidiol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
Phytocannabinoid Source: Not Applicable
Chemotype: Chemotype I, Chemotype II
DOSING DETAILS 
Study Dosing Objective: Effective Dose, Safety Profile, Dosing Protocol Only
Established Protocol: Optimal dose
Route of Administration: Inhalation, Oral (Ingestion)
Cannabinoid Ratio: (Pharma THC : Pharma CBD) 1 : 1 
Dosage Form: medicinal cannabis capsules or vapor pen inhaler
Dosing Regimen: Capsules of THC and CBD 10mg in a 1:1 ratio, taken orally every 8 to 12 hours
Titration: If patients experienced breakthrough pain, they were prescribed a vapor pen inhaler of THC/CBD in a 20:1 ratio, 2 mg THC per 0.1 mg CBD, 1 to 5 puffs every 15 minutes until relief and every 4-6 hours as needed
Treatment Duration: 3 months
Clinical Relevance: Improved pain relief, less opioid use, and decreased cost of prescription pain medications.
Adverse Events: dry mouth, dizziness, and increased appetite
Additional Notes: Dose Titration
Citation: Bellnier T, et al. Preliminary evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and costs associated with the treatment of chronic pain with medical cannabis. Ment Health Clin. 2018; 8:110-115. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2018.05.110
Authors: Bellnier T, Brown GW, Ortega TR
