Does THC Cause Nerve Pain? A Comprehensive Look at the Evidence

This article looks at the evidence surrounding whether or not smoking high potency marijuana can cause nerve pain. We explore recent studies that suggest it can damage nerve fibers responsible for communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Does THC Cause Nerve Pain? A Comprehensive Look at the Evidence

The potential of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cause nerve pain has been a topic of debate for some time. Recent studies have suggested that smoking high-potency marijuana can damage nerve fibers responsible for communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. However, the evidence is still inconclusive, and more research is needed to determine the effects of THC on nerve pain. In one study, 215 subjects were given a cannabis extract (CE) with 12.5% THC, while 216 non-smoking subjects served as the control group.

Blood samples were taken to evaluate Delta-9-THC and 11-hydroxy-9 THC at the beginning and 120 minutes after cannabis inhalation. The results showed that there were no significant differences in pain rate between placebo and THC doses of 2.9% and 6.7%. In another study, 400 mg of plant material was administered with 0, 4, 16 or 28 mg of THC per dosing session. The doses of 3.5 and 7% THC were found to be equianalgesic at all time points, with no difference between the two over time.

The most common adverse effects associated with THC include feelings of euphoria, drowsiness and confusion, which depend on the concentration of THC. However, these effects are usually mild, transient and reversible. In a study published in Psychological Medicine, researchers found that smoking highly potent marijuana can cause damage to nerve fibers and disrupt communication between the two hemispheres of the brain. The active treatment was an extract of Cannabis sativa in soft gelatin capsules containing 2.5 mg of THC and 0.8—1.8 mg of CBD.

Treatments included an oromucosal spray with a combination of plant-based THC and CBD, nabilone, inhaled herbal cannabis, and plant-derived THC. The analgesic effects of THC and CBD have been associated with the potentiation of α3 glycine receptors, which are widely diffused in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and act as modulators of inflammatory pain. Overall, it is clear that more research is needed to determine whether or not THC can cause nerve pain. While some studies have suggested that high-potency marijuana can damage nerve fibers responsible for communication between the two hemispheres of the brain, other studies have found no significant differences in pain rate between placebo and THC doses.