Cannabinoids Offer a Promising Alternative for Pain Relief
Chemicals found in cannabis show promise for treating chronic pain, a new Yale study shows, and may present an alternative to opioids.
Chronic Pain as a Global Challenge
Chronic pain remains a major global health challenge, with current treatments often limited by side effects, addiction risks, and reduced effectiveness over time. Yale researchers have now identified promising compounds—found in cannabis—that may provide relief without the psychoactive effects commonly associated with the drug.
Cannabinoids and their Action
The study focuses on three cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabinol (CBN). These compounds were found to reduce the activity of Nav1.8, a key protein involved in pain signaling within the peripheral nervous system. The findings, published on January 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggest a new pathway for safe and effective pain management.
“These findings open new avenues for the development of cannabinoid-based therapies,” said lead author Mohammad-Reza Ghovanloo, an associate research scientist in Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology. “Our results show that CBG, in particular, has the strongest potential to provide effective pain relief without the risks linked to traditional treatments.”
The Risk of Opioids and the Need for Safer Alternatives
One of the major concerns with existing pain treatments is opioid addiction, which has contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S. In recent years, opioid overdoses have claimed more than 80,000 lives annually. Cannabinoids could offer a safer and potentially more effective alternative for pain management, Ghovanloo noted.
Action Mechanism of Cannabinoids
The study examined how these cannabinoids interact with Nav1.8, a protein found in sensory neurons of the spine that facilitates pain signal transmission. By blocking Nav1.8, the cannabinoids reduced the neurons’ electrical activity, thereby dampening pain signals. Among the three compounds, CBG demonstrated the strongest inhibitory effect.
“These results suggest that cannabinoids—especially CBG—could prevent sensory neurons from transmitting pain signals to the brain,” the researchers said. They believe these compounds could help reduce dependence on opioids while improving pain management.
New Perspectives on Cannabinoid Treatments
“This research builds on growing interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, particularly for chronic pain conditions such as neuropathy, arthritis, and inflammatory disorders,” said senior author Dr. Stephen G. Waxman, the Bridget M. Flaherty Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. “By targeting Nav1.8, this study lays the groundwork for the development of innovative cannabinoid-based pain treatments.”
