This decision box focuses on chronic non-cancer pain. This tool should be used within discussions between patients and their healthcare providers.
Chronic pain is pain that has persisted for more than three months (e.g., knee pain, back pain, and headaches).
There are several non-drug treatments available, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic treatments.
However, not all of these treatments are effective in controlling chronic non-cancer pain.
Medical cannabis can be used for its therapeutic properties. It can be used in contexts such as palliative care, nausea, and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, or for the treatment of various types of pain. While medical cannabis appears to be an interesting avenue for the treatment of chronic pain, the evidence to this effect is limited.
Under supervision
Self-medication
Consult your pharmacist or doctor before using
cannabis if you have any of the following conditions:
Medical cannabis may interfere with operation of a motor vehicle. Use caution and inquire fully about the effects of your prescribed cannabis on driving. If you plan to travel outside of Canada or by air, it will probably not be possible to take your medical cannabis with you.
There are two medications approved in Canada that contain cannabis ingredients: Nabilone® and Nabiximols®. In addition to these two drugs, medical cannabis can be smoked, vaporized, and consumed in edible form. It can also be found in creams that are applied to the skin. Cannabis oil can be consumed in capsules or by dropper.
Depending on your priorities, you can choose whether or not to treat your chronic pain. You can also choose how to treat it.
These choices are up to you because :
- The decision takes into account the values and priorities of the individual
- The decision is shared between the health care professional and the individual, and, if applicable, with his or her caregiver.