Neuropathy
Medical cannabis for neuropathy may help to manage pain symptoms as well as address associated sleep loss and mental health issues common in those living with this condition.
Neuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, is a condition causing pain, numbness, or a burning sensation due to damaged nerves around the body, most often in the hands, feet and arms. Around 1 in 10 people over age 55 in the UK are affected, and the most common cause is high blood sugar levels due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of neuropathy include numbness, a tingling sensation, a burning sensation, a stabbing or shooting pain, loss of balance or coordination, and muscle weakness. These may occur constantly or intermittently.
Treatments
Treatments for neuropathy depend on the root cause and symptoms, for example whether you feel pain or numbness. If the cause is diabetes, lifestyle changes can help prevent further development, such as controlling blood sugar and stopping smoking. Prescription medications help to address pain symptoms, but medical cannabis is a promising natural treatment to manage pain and sleep issues associated with neuropathy.
80%
A 6-week study found the number of patients with severe pain decreased from 96% to 16% using medical cannabis, an 80% reduction
50%
In a 2023 study of neuropathic patients using medical cannabis, 26.5% had at least a 50% reduction in pain score
44%
A 2016 study found that after medical cannabis treatment, opioid use at follow-up appointments decreased by 44%
37%
In a 2023 study on patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, burning sensation reduced from 48% to 37% after using medical cannabis
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Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
Medical cannabis can support better sleep and reduce the emotional toll that chronic pain often brings.
Neuropathic pain can be complex and difficult to manage but medical cannabis has been effective for some patients—especially where burning, tingling, or shooting pains interfere with daily life.
