The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released a new guideline regarding the use of cannabis for managing chronic noncancer pain. This guidance was published online on April 4 in the *Annals of Internal Medicine*, coinciding with the ACP’s annual Internal Medicine Meeting held from April 3 to 5 in New Orleans.
Dr. Devan Kansagara from the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and his team developed this best practice advice to help clinicians understand the benefits and harms of using cannabis or cannabinoids for pain management.
The guideline emphasizes that healthcare providers should counsel patients considering cannabis for chronic noncancer pain about both its potential benefits and harms. It highlights that young adults, adolescents, individuals with a history of substance use disorders, those with serious mental illnesses, and patients at risk of falling should be particularly cautious, as the risks may outweigh the benefits for these groups.
Additionally, for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, the guideline advises against starting or continuing cannabis use for pain management. It also recommends against inhaled cannabis for managing chronic noncancer pain.
According to the authors, clinicians are well-positioned to provide tailored, evidence-based information that aligns with each patient’s unique health situation. This approach will enable patients to make informed choices about their use of cannabis or cannabinoids for managing their pain.
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