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درد کے لیے کینابس اور سی بی ڈی

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What the evidence does and doesn't show for cannabis and CBD in musculoskeletal pain, and practical and safety considerations.

Updated Sep 2026
کینابس کا ایک پتا۔
پٹھوں اور ہڈیوں کے درد کے لیے کینابس اور سی بی ڈی کے بارے میں سوالات بڑھ رہے ہیں؛ اس کے شواہد اور قوانین ابھی بدل رہے ہیں۔ Kieran Hirpara 4.0

اس صفحے کا ترجمہ مشین سے کیا گیا ہے اور ابھی تک کسی ڈاکٹر نے اس کی جانچ نہیں کی۔ انگریزی نسخہ ہی مستند ہے۔

یہ کیا ہے

کینابس (cannabis، بھنگ کا پودا) پر مبنی دوا میں وہ مصنوعات شامل ہیں جو کینابس کے پودے سے بنتی ہیں، جن میں کینابیڈیول (CBD) اور ٹی ایچ سی (THC) شامل ہیں۔ سی بی ڈی پودے کا وہ حصہ ہے جو نشہ ("high") پیدا نہیں کرتا۔ ٹی ایچ سی وہ حصہ ہے جو نشہ پیدا کرتا ہے۔ یہ مصنوعات تیل، گولیوں یا جلد پر ملنے والی کریموں کی شکل میں آتی ہیں۔

آرتھرائٹس (جوڑ کی خرابی اور سوزش)، اعصابی درد یا سرجری کے بعد کے درد کی وجہ سے لمبے عرصے سے درد میں مبتلا لوگ کبھی کبھی اس کے بارے میں پوچھتے ہیں۔ بہت سے مریض اس کے بارے میں جاننا چاہتے ہیں۔ ایک سروے میں، ہاتھ اور بازو (upper limb) کے کلینک آنے والے 80.9 فیصد لوگوں نے کہا کہ وہ طبی کینابس استعمال کرنے پر غور کریں گے [1]۔ ریڑھ کی ہڈی کے درد والے لوگوں میں، ہر تین میں سے ایک پہلے ہی اسے استعمال کر رہا تھا [2]۔ انگوٹھے کی جڑ میں جوڑ کے گھسنے والے آرتھرائٹس (osteoarthritis) والے بہت سے لوگوں نے کہا کہ وہ اسے آزمانے میں دلچسپی رکھیں گے [3]۔

یہ کیسے کام کرتا ہے، اس پر ابھی تحقیق جاری ہے۔ آپ کے جسم کا اپنا ایک نظام ہے جو کینابس کے مرکبات پر ردِ عمل دیتا ہے، اور یہ نظام اس میں کردار ادا کرتا ہے کہ آپ درد کیسے محسوس کرتے ہیں۔ ایک جائزے میں بتایا گیا کہ موجودہ شواہد پٹھوں، ہڈیوں اور اعصاب کے لمبے عرصے کے درد میں فائدے اور حفاظت کی طرف اشارہ کرتے ہیں [4]۔ لیکن تصویر ملی جلی ہے۔ ٹرائلز میں بریکیئل پلیکسس (brachial plexus) کی چوٹوں (گردن سے بازو میں جانے والے اعصاب کا کھنچ جانا) کے بعد اعصابی درد میں کوئی طبی لحاظ سے اہم فائدہ نہیں پایا گیا [5]۔ ٹی ایچ سی کی ایک مصنوعی شکل سے گھٹنے کی تبدیلی (knee replacement) کی سرجری کے بعد اوپیئوئڈ درد کش دوا کا استعمال کم ہوتا دکھائی نہیں دیا [6]۔

کچھ احتیاطیں ہیں۔ کینابس کے باقاعدہ استعمال کا تعلق جوڑ کی تبدیلی کی سرجری کے بعد اوپیئوئڈ درد کش دوا کے زیادہ استعمال سے پایا گیا ہے [7]۔ جن لوگوں میں کینابس پر انحصار (dependence) کی باقاعدہ تشخیص درج تھی، ان میں ہاتھ اور کلائی کے نرم حصوں کی سرجری کے بعد زخم کے مسائل کا امکان زیادہ تھا [8]۔ بہت سی بیماریوں کے لیے واضح مشورہ دینے سے پہلے مزید تحقیق کی ضرورت ہے [9, 4]۔

کیا یہ مؤثر ہے؟

سچا جواب یہ ہے کہ یہ اس پر منحصر ہے کہ آپ اسے کس لیے استعمال کر رہے ہیں۔ پٹھوں، ہڈیوں اور اعصاب کے لمبے عرصے کے درد کے لیے، ایک جائزے میں بتایا گیا کہ موجودہ شواہد کینابس پر مبنی دواؤں کے فائدے اور حفاظت کی طرف اشارہ کرتے ہیں [4]۔ ایک جائزے میں یہ بھی پایا گیا کہ یہ ریڑھ کی ہڈی سے دور، بازوؤں اور ٹانگوں کے اعصابی درد میں مدد کر سکتی ہیں [11]۔ لیکن خاص طور پر ہاتھ اور بازو کی بیماریوں کے لیے، محققین کہتے ہیں کہ پختہ نتائج نکالنے سے پہلے ہمیں ابھی مزید تحقیقات کی ضرورت ہے [4]۔

سرجری کے حوالے سے کچھ حوصلہ افزا نتائج ہیں۔ روٹیٹر کف (rotator cuff)، یعنی ٹینڈنوں کا وہ گروپ جو کندھے کو تھامتا اور گھماتا ہے، کی دوربین کے ذریعے مرمت کے بعد درد میں آرام کے ملے جلے منصوبے میں سی بی ڈی شامل کی جا سکتی ہے، اور اس سے مختصر یا لمبی مدت میں آپ کی صحت یابی کو نقصان نہیں پہنچتا [12, 13]۔ اس کا مطلب یہ ہے کہ اس سے نتائج خراب نہیں ہوئے، یہ نہیں کہ اس سے نتائج کا بہتر ہونا ثابت ہوا۔ کولہے کا دوربین کے ذریعے آپریشن کروانے والے نوعمروں اور نوجوانوں میں، جنہوں نے سرجری سے پہلے ماریجوانا (marijuana) استعمال کی تھی، ان کے درد کی سطح، درد کش دوا کی ضرورت اور صحت یابی اُن جیسی ہی تھی جنہوں نے استعمال نہیں کی تھی [14]۔

کچھ نتائج اتنے مثبت نہیں۔ گھٹنے کے لیگامنٹ (ligament)، یعنی وہ مضبوط بندھن جو ایک ہڈی کو دوسری ہڈی سے جوڑتا ہے، کی دوبارہ تعمیر (reconstruction) کروانے والے نوعمروں میں، جنہوں نے ماریجوانا کے استعمال کا بتایا، انہیں درد کی وجہ سے زیادہ کثرت سے رات بھر ہسپتال میں داخل رہنا پڑا اور کھیل میں واپسی میں زیادہ وقت لگا [15]۔ اس لیے ایک ہی چیز ایک صورت میں بے ضرر اور دوسری صورت میں مسئلہ پیدا کرنے والی نظر آ سکتی ہے۔

یہ جاننا فائدہ مند ہے کہ اسے عام طور پر کون استعمال کرتا ہے۔ دوربین کے ذریعے سرجری کروانے والے جو لوگ کینابس کے استعمال کا بتاتے ہیں، وہ عموماً کم عمر ہوتے ہیں اور زیادہ تر مرد ہوتے ہیں [16]۔ اور ہاتھ اور بازو کے کلینک آنے والے زیادہ تر لوگ طبی کینابس کو ہڈیوں اور جوڑوں کے عام مسائل کے لیے ایک محفوظ انتخاب سمجھتے ہیں [1]۔

خلاصہ یہ ہے: کچھ استعمالات کے لیے حقیقی شواہد موجود ہیں، دوسروں کے لیے ملے جلے شواہد ہیں، اور ہاتھ اور بازو کی بہت سی بیماریوں کے لیے ابھی کوئی اچھے ٹرائلز نہیں ہیں۔ اگر آپ اس کے بارے میں سوچ رہے ہیں تو اپنے ڈاکٹر سے پوچھیں کہ آپ کے خاص مسئلے کے بارے میں شواہد کیا کہتے ہیں۔

اس کے خطرات کیا ہیں؟

سچا جواب یہ ہے کہ خطرات آپ کی صورتِ حال پر منحصر ہیں، اور تحقیق ہر صورت کا احاطہ نہیں کرتی۔ بازوؤں اور ٹانگوں کے اعصابی درد کے لیے، ایک جائزے میں پایا گیا کہ کینابس پر مبنی دوائیں مدد کر سکتی ہیں [11]۔ لیکن بریکیئل پلیکسس کی چوٹوں (گردن سے بازو میں جانے والے اعصاب کا کھنچ جانا) کے بعد اعصابی درد میں، جب درد میں آرام کے معیاری منصوبوں میں کینابس پر مبنی علاج شامل کیا گیا تو ٹرائلز میں کوئی طبی لحاظ سے اہم فائدہ نہیں پایا گیا [5]۔

سرجری کے حوالے سے تصویر ملی جلی ہے۔ روٹیٹر کف کی دوربین کے ذریعے مرمت کے بعد درد میں آرام کے ملے جلے منصوبے میں سی بی ڈی شامل کی جا سکتی ہے، اور اس سے مختصر یا لمبی مدت میں آپ کی صحت یابی کو نقصان نہیں پہنچتا [12, 13]۔ گال کے اندر سے جذب ہونے والی سی بی ڈی پر ایک تحقیق میں پایا گیا کہ یہ اچھی طرح برداشت ہوئی اور اسی آپریشن کے بعد ابتدائی دنوں میں درد کم ہوا [17]۔ لیکن گھٹنے کے لیگامنٹ کی دوبارہ تعمیر کروانے والے نوعمروں میں، جنہوں نے ماریجوانا کے استعمال کا بتایا، انہیں درد کی وجہ سے زیادہ کثرت سے رات بھر ہسپتال میں داخل رہنا پڑا اور کھیل میں واپسی میں زیادہ وقت لگا [15]۔ جن لوگوں میں کینابس پر انحصار کی باقاعدہ تشخیص درج تھی، ان میں ہاتھ اور کلائی کے نرم حصوں کی سرجری کے بعد زخم کے مسائل کا امکان زیادہ تھا [8]۔

کولہے کا دوربین کے ذریعے آپریشن کروانے والے نوعمروں اور نوجوانوں میں، جنہوں نے سرجری سے پہلے ماریجوانا استعمال کی تھی، ان کے درد کی سطح، درد کش دوا کی ضرورت اور صحت یابی اُن جیسی ہی تھی جنہوں نے استعمال نہیں کی تھی [14]۔ محققین نے یہ بھی دیکھا کہ کیا کینابس کو نکوٹین کے ساتھ ملا کر استعمال کرنے سے بازو اور ہاتھ کے فریکچر (ہڈی کا ٹوٹنا) کی سرجری کے بعد مسائل کا خطرہ بدلتا ہے۔ انہیں کوئی واضح اضافی اثر نہیں ملا، لیکن ان کا کہنا ہے کہ ہو سکتا ہے تحقیق اتنی بڑی نہ ہو کہ کسی چھوٹے اثر کو پکڑ سکے [18]۔

جو کچھ معلوم ہے اس میں حقیقی خلا موجود ہیں۔ ایک تحقیق میں پایا گیا کہ کینابس کے استعمال سے کولہے کی تبدیلی کی سرجری کے بعد کے نتائج پر کوئی اثر نہیں پڑا، اگرچہ اس کے مصنفین کہتے ہیں کہ ابھی مزید تحقیقات کی ضرورت ہے [10]۔ محققین یہ بھی کہتے ہیں کہ ہاتھ اور بازو کی بہت سی بیماریوں کے لیے مزید تحقیقات کی ضرورت ہے [9, 4]۔ اس لیے اگر آپ کینابس یا سی بی ڈی استعمال کرتے ہیں تو اپنے ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں۔ وہ دیکھ سکتے ہیں کہ آپ کے خاص آپریشن یا بیماری کے بارے میں شواہد کیا کہتے ہیں، اور کیا ابھی نہیں کہتے۔

کیا یہ آپ کے لیے مناسب ہے؟

یہاں کوئی سادہ ہاں یا نہیں نہیں ہے۔ پٹھوں، ہڈیوں اور اعصاب کے لمبے عرصے کے درد کے لیے کینابس پر مبنی دوا پر غور کیا جا سکتا ہے، جہاں ایک جائزے میں بتایا گیا کہ موجودہ شواہد فائدے اور حفاظت کی طرف اشارہ کرتے ہیں [4]۔ یہ ریڑھ کی ہڈی سے دور، بازوؤں اور ٹانگوں کے اعصابی درد میں بھی مدد کر سکتی ہے [11]۔ لیکن ہاتھ اور بازو کی بہت سی بیماریوں کے لیے ابھی کوئی اچھے ٹرائلز نہیں ہیں، اس لیے کوئی یقین سے نہیں کہہ سکتا کہ یہ آپ کی مدد کرے گی یا نہیں [9, 4]۔

سرجری کے حوالے سے جواب آپ کے آپریشن اور آپ کی تاریخ پر منحصر ہے۔ روٹیٹر کف کی دوربین کے ذریعے مرمت کے بعد سی بی ڈی درد میں آرام کے ملے جلے منصوبے کا حصہ ہو سکتی ہے، اور اس سے آپ کی صحت یابی کو نقصان نہیں پہنچتا [12, 13]۔ لیکن اگر آپ نے کینابس باقاعدگی سے استعمال کی ہے تو کچھ احتیاطیں ہیں۔ باقاعدہ استعمال کا تعلق جوڑ کی تبدیلی کی سرجری کے بعد اوپیئوئڈ درد کش دوا کے زیادہ استعمال سے پایا گیا ہے [7]۔ اور جن لوگوں میں کینابس پر انحصار کی باقاعدہ تشخیص درج تھی، ان میں ہاتھ اور کلائی کے نرم حصوں کی سرجری کے بعد زخم کے مسائل کا امکان زیادہ تھا [8]۔ گھٹنے کے لیگامنٹ کی دوبارہ تعمیر کروانے والے جن نوعمروں نے ماریجوانا کے استعمال کا بتایا، انہیں درد کی وجہ سے زیادہ کثرت سے رات بھر ہسپتال میں داخل رہنا پڑا اور کھیل میں واپسی میں زیادہ وقت لگا [15]۔

درد میں آرام کے معیاری منصوبوں کے مقابلے میں، کینابس پر مبنی دوا ان کا متبادل نہیں ہے۔ بریکیئل پلیکسس کی چوٹوں (گردن سے بازو میں جانے والے اعصاب کا کھنچ جانا) کے بعد اعصابی درد میں، جب اسے معیاری علاج میں شامل کیا گیا تو ٹرائلز میں کوئی طبی لحاظ سے اہم فائدہ نہیں پایا گیا [5]۔ ٹی ایچ سی کی ایک مصنوعی شکل سے گھٹنے کی تبدیلی کی سرجری کے بعد اوپیئوئڈ درد کش دوا کا استعمال کم ہوتا دکھائی نہیں دیا [6]۔

اوپر خطرات والا حصہ احتیاطوں کو مزید تفصیل سے بیان کرتا ہے۔ اگر آپ اسے آزمانے کا سوچ رہے ہیں تو پہلے اپنے ڈاکٹر سے اس پر بات کریں۔ وہ دیکھ سکتے ہیں کہ آپ کے خاص مسئلے کے بارے میں شواہد کیا کہتے ہیں، اور کیا ابھی نہیں کہتے۔ یہ فیصلہ آپ اور آپ کا ڈاکٹر مل کر کریں۔

خلاصہ

پٹھوں، ہڈیوں اور اعصاب کے لمبے عرصے کے درد کے لیے کینابس پر مبنی دوا پر غور کیا جا سکتا ہے، جہاں ایک جائزے میں بتایا گیا کہ موجودہ شواہد فائدے اور حفاظت کی طرف اشارہ کرتے ہیں [4]۔ سرجری کے حوالے سے، روٹیٹر کف کی دوربین کے ذریعے مرمت کے بعد سی بی ڈی درد میں آرام کے ملے جلے منصوبے کا حصہ ہو سکتی ہے، اور اس سے مختصر یا لمبی مدت میں آپ کی صحت یابی کو نقصان نہیں پہنچتا [12, 13]۔ لیکن ایک ہی چیز ایک صورت میں بے ضرر اور دوسری صورت میں مسئلہ پیدا کرنے والی نظر آ سکتی ہے، اس لیے شواہد آپ کی خاص بیماری یا آپریشن پر منحصر ہیں۔ سب سے اہم احتیاط یہ ہے: اگر آپ کینابس یا سی بی ڈی استعمال کرتے ہیں تو اپنے ڈاکٹر کو بتائیں، تاکہ وہ دیکھ سکیں کہ آپ کی صورتِ حال کے بارے میں تحقیق کیا کہتی ہے، اور کیا ابھی نہیں کہتی۔

حوالہ جات

[1] Hand Surgery Patient Perspectives on Medical Cannabis: A Survey of Over 600 Patients. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.02.009

[2] Perceptions in orthopedic surgery on the use of cannabis in treating pain: a survey of patients with spine pain (POSIT Spine). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04558-6

[3] Assessment of Medical Cannabis in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Basal Joint. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.10.018

[4] Medical Cannabis in Hand Surgery: A Review of the Current Evidence. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.11.008

[5] CORR Insights®: Does Cannabis-based Medicine Improve Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries? A Triple-blind, Crossover, Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003265

[6] A Synthetic Form of Cannabinoid Does Not Decrease Opioid Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2026.02.047

[7] CORR Insights®: Do Medical and Recreational Marijuana State Laws Impact Trends in Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions Among Patients Who Have Undergone TJA?. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003472

[8] Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948

[9] Knowledge and Opinion on Cannabinoids Among Orthopaedic Traumatologists. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2021. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00047

[10] Cannabis Use Does Not Affect Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.03.040

[11] The Use of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.09.015

[12] Cannabidiol for Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Deficits in Patient-Reported Outcomes Versus Placebo: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/23259671231222265

[13] Poster 186: Cannabidiol for Post-Operative Pain Control after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Functional Deficits at 1-Year. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00172

[14] No Evidence That Preoperative Marijuana Use Influences the Success of Hip Arthroscopy for Femoracetabular Impingement in Adolescents and Young Adults. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/23259671251385152

[15] Effect of Marijuana Use on Pain Management and Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A Matched Control Study. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/23259671251369015

[16] Poster 189. Cannabis Use in Patients Undergoing Sports Medicine Procedures and Post-Operative Pain Scores. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00487

[17] Effects Of Cannabidiol On Post-Operative Pain Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.032

[18] Cannabis and nicotine use are independently associated with adverse surgical, medical, and psychosocial outcomes following upper extremity fracture fixation. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-025-06635-w

Reviewed by Kieran Hirpara · 13 June 2026.

Want the clinical detail? Read the clinician version.

Talk to your treating clinician for advice specific to you.

For an appointment with the CQ Hand + Upper Limb team, ask your GP about a referral or visit www.cqupperlimb.com.

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without detrimental effects on patient-reported outcomes at 1-year follow-up after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [1].
  • CBD can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without long-term functional deficits at 1-year follow-up after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [2].
  • Cannabis-based medicines are applicable for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain [3].
  • 89% of participants in a survey of musculoskeletal pain patients considered medical cannabis to be more effective than narcotics for adequate pain management [4].
  • Regular cannabis use may be associated with increased opioid usage in the context of total joint arthroplasty [5].
  • No specific guidance for the use of cannabis in perioperative pain management can be suggested based on the association between regular cannabis use and increased opioid usage after total joint arthroplasty [5].
  • Patients estimated that medical cannabis could treat more than half of their spine pain [6].
  • One in three patients with spine pain were already using medical cannabis [6].
  • 79% of patients with spine pain believe cannabis could reduce opioid usage [6].
  • Most survey respondents in the orthopaedic sports medicine community believed that CBD has a role in postoperative and chronic pain management [7].
  • Large numbers of patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint would be interested in trialing either oral or topical formulations of medical cannabis for treatment of their pain [8].
  • 80.9% of patients presenting for hand and upper-extremity complaints would consider using medical cannabis [9].
  • Patients presenting for hand and upper-extremity complaints perceive medical cannabis as a safe treatment option for common orthopedic conditions [9].
  • Cost is identified as a major barrier to the use of medical cannabis by patients presenting for hand and upper-extremity complaints [9].
  • A synthetic form of THC does not appear to limit opioid intake after primary total knee arthroplasty [10].
  • Current evidence demonstrates efficacy and safety for chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain [19].
  • Definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of medical cannabis in hand and upper extremity conditions require continued investigation [19].

How It Works

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without long-term functional deficits at 1-year follow-up after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [2].
  • 89% of participants considered medical cannabis to be more effective than narcotics for adequate pain management [4].
  • No specific guidance in the use of cannabis in perioperative pain management can be suggested based on the association between regular cannabis use and increased opioid usage after total joint arthroplasty [5].
  • Cannabis-based medicine did not provide clinical improvement in pain compared with a placebo in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries [11].
  • A majority of sports medicine surgeons believe that CBD has a role in post-operative and chronic pain management [12].
  • More clinical research for cannabinoids is needed to help orthopaedic traumatologists provide guidance for patients seeking advice for this therapeutic [13].
  • Patients with documented cannabis dependence demonstrated higher odds of developing wound complications following hand and wrist soft-tissue surgical procedures [16].

What the Evidence Shows

Postoperative Pain Management

  • CBD can be considered in a post-operative multimodal pain management regimen without long-term functional deficits at 1-year follow-up after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair [2].
  • Buccally absorbed CBD demonstrates an acceptable safety profile and shows significant promise in reducing pain in the immediate peri-operative period following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair compared to control [17].
  • Cannabis use does not affect outcomes after total hip arthroplasty [14].
  • Further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of perioperative cannabis use after total hip arthroplasty to help guide orthopaedic surgeons in counseling patients [14].
  • Higher-level studies are needed to ascertain the impact of cannabis use for patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty [15].

Neuropathic Pain

  • Cannabis-based treatment did not provide clinically important benefit as an adjuvant to standard multimodal drug therapy for neuropathic pain in traumatic brachial plexus injuries [18].
  • Findings suggest the applicability of cannabis-based medicines for peripheral neuropathy [3].

Patient and Surgeon Perceptions

  • Patients estimated medical cannabis could treat more than half of their spine pain [6].

Practical Considerations

Postoperative Pain Management

  • CBD can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without detrimental effects on outcome [1].
  • CBD can be considered in a post-operative multimodal pain management regimen without long-term detrimental effects [2].

Patient and Provider Perceptions

  • Large numbers of patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb basal joint would be interested in trialing either oral or topical formulations of medical cannabis for treatment of their thumb basal joint pain [8].

Clinical Guidance and Research Needs

  • No specific guidance in the use of cannabis in perioperative pain management can be suggested based on the association between regular cannabis use and increased opioid usage in total joint arthroplasty [5].
  • More clinical research for cannabinoids is needed to help orthopaedic traumatologists provide guidance for patients seeking advice [13].

Key Evidence

  • [L2] These findings suggest that CBD can be considered in a postoperative multimodal pain management regimen without detrimental effects on outcome. [1] (10.1177/23259671231222265)
  • [L2] These findings suggest that CBD can be considered in a post-operative multimodal pain management regimen without long-term detrimental effects. [2] (10.1177/2325967123s00172)
  • [L2] These findings suggest the applicability of cannabis-based medicines for peripheral neuropathy. [3] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.09.015)
  • [L4] In addition, 89% of the participants considered medical cannabis to be more effective than narcotics for adequate pain management. [4] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-22-00055)
  • [Paper] Regular cannabis use may be associated with increased opioid usage in the context of total joint arthroplasty, and no specific guidance in the use of cannabis in perioperative pain management can be suggested based on this discovery. [5] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003472)
  • [L4] Patients estimated medical cannabis could treat more than half of their spine pain, with one in three patients already using medical cannabis, and 79% of patients believe cannabis could reduce opioid usage. [6] (10.1186/s13018-024-04558-6)
  • [L4] Most survey respondents believed that CBD has a role in postoperative and chronic pain management. [7] (10.1177/23259671231191766)
  • [L4] Large numbers of these patients would be interested in trialing either oral or topical formulations of medical cannabis for treatment of their thumb basal joint pain. [8] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.10.018)
  • [L3] Most patients presenting for hand and upper-extremity complaints would consider using medical cannabis (80.9%) and perceive it as a safe treatment option for common orthopedic conditions, with cost identified as a major barrier to use. [9] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.02.009)
  • [L1] Despite enthusiasm for cannabis after orthopaedic surgical procedures, this THC does not appear to limit opioid intake after primary TKA. [10] (10.1016/j.arth.2026.02.047)
  • [L1] Cannabis-based medicine did not provide clinical improvement in pain compared with a placebo in patients with traumatic brachial plexus injuries. [11] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003221)
  • [L4] A majority of sports medicine surgeons believe that CBD has a role in post-operative and chronic pain management. [12] (10.1177/2325967123s00336)
  • [L4] More clinical research for cannabinoids is needed to help orthopaedic traumatologists provide guidance for patients seeking advice for this recently popular therapeutic. [13] (10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00047)
  • [L3] Further studies are warranted to determine the efficacy and safety of perioperative cannabis use after THA to help guide orthopaedic surgeons in counseling patients. [14] (10.1016/j.arth.2023.03.040)
  • [L1] Higher-level studies are needed to ascertain the impact of cannabis use for patients undergoing TJA. [15] (10.1016/j.arth.2023.07.008)
  • [L2] Patients with documented cannabis dependence demonstrated higher odds of developing wound complications following hand and wrist soft-tissue surgical procedures. [16] (10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948)
  • [L1] Buccally absorbed CBD demonstrates an acceptable safety profile and shows significant promise in reduction of pain in the immediate peri-operative period following ARCR compared to the control. [17] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.032)
  • [Paper] This is a commentary on a randomized controlled trial by Kittithamvongs et al., which found no clinically important benefit to cannabis-based treatment as an adjuvant to standard multimodal drug therapy for neuropathic pain in traumatic brachial plexus injuries. [18] (10.1097/corr.0000000000003265)
  • [L4] Current evidence demonstrates efficacy and safety for chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain, but definitive conclusions regarding efficacy in hand and upper extremity conditions require continued investigation. [19] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.11.008)

References

[1] Cannabidiol for Postoperative Pain Control After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Deficits in Patient-Reported Outcomes Versus Placebo: 1-Year Follow-up of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/23259671231222265

[2] Poster 186: Cannabidiol for Post-Operative Pain Control after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Demonstrates No Functional Deficits at 1-Year. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00172

[3] The Use of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy and Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.09.015

[4] Patient Experience and Perspective on Medical Cannabis as an Alternative for Musculoskeletal Pain Management. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2022. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-22-00055

[5] CORR Insights®: Do Medical and Recreational Marijuana State Laws Impact Trends in Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions Among Patients Who Have Undergone TJA?. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2025. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003472

[6] Perceptions in orthopedic surgery on the use of cannabis in treating pain: a survey of patients with spine pain (POSIT Spine). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04558-6

[7] Perceptions and Opinions on Cannabidiol in the Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Community. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/23259671231191766

[8] Assessment of Medical Cannabis in Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Thumb Basal Joint. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.10.018

[9] Hand Surgery Patient Perspectives on Medical Cannabis: A Survey of Over 600 Patients. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2022.02.009

[10] A Synthetic Form of Cannabinoid Does Not Decrease Opioid Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2026.02.047

[11] Does Cannabis-based Medicine Improve Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries? A Triple-blind, Crossover, Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003221

[12] Poster 373: Perceptions & Opinions on Cannabidiol Among Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023. DOI: 10.1177/2325967123s00336

[13] Knowledge and Opinion on Cannabinoids Among Orthopaedic Traumatologists. JAAOS: Global Research and Reviews. 2021. DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-21-00047

[14] Cannabis Use Does Not Affect Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.03.040

[15] Cannabis Use Following Total Joint Arthroplasty is Associated With Increased Risks? A Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.07.008

[16] Is Cannabis Dependence Associated with Postoperative Infections in Hand and Wrist Surgeries?. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsg.2026.100948

[17] Effects Of Cannabidiol On Post-Operative Pain Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.032

[18] CORR Insights®: Does Cannabis-based Medicine Improve Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries? A Triple-blind, Crossover, Randomized Controlled Trial. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2024. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000003265

[19] Medical Cannabis in Hand Surgery: A Review of the Current Evidence. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.11.008

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a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.

Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

Creative Commons may be contacted at creativecommons.org.