Medical cannabis for the treatment of various symptoms
Medical cannabis is used for a range of symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle spasms and unintentional weight loss. It is prescribed if primary treatments are deemed ineffective, or as a complementary therapy. This report analyses the efficacy, safety and cost-benefit ratio of treatment with medical cannabis for chronic pain and muscle spasms while taking into account the numerous legal, social, ethical and organisational questions associated with the treatment.
The results from the studies considered in this report were only comparable to a limited extent and do not provide a basis for a clear judgement to be made as to the efficacy and safety of using medical cannabis to treat chronic pain and muscle spasms. A cost-benefit analysis was made on the use of a cannabis spray for patients with nerve pain. Extrapolated to all forms of treatment with medical cannabis as a complementary therapy, additional costs are incurred.
The report concludes that the efficacy of medical cannabis for chronic pain and muscle spasms is unclear. However, there is evidence that its use is associated with higher costs. Moreover, a number of legal, social, ethical and organisational questions remain unresolved. The high expectations of this treatment that are in contrast with the efficacy observed might cause problems, and there is a need to monitor both the quality of the products and their potential illegal use.
Further information
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Health Technology Assessment Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
Switzerland - 3003 Bern