Understanding Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain — pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system — affects an estimated 7–10% of the UK population. It arises from conditions including diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles), spinal cord injury, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Neuropathic pain is notoriously difficult to treat; conventional medications such as gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and SNRIs provide only partial relief for many patients. Medical cannabis is one of the best-evidenced applications for CBMPs.
How Medical Cannabis Can Help
Cannabinoids modulate pain signalling through multiple mechanisms, including action on CB1 receptors in the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, and interaction with TRPV1 receptors involved in pain and heat sensation. Clinical trials have demonstrated that inhaled cannabis and oral cannabinoids can significantly reduce neuropathic pain scores compared to placebo. MEDCANN's partner clinicians have extensive experience prescribing for neuropathic conditions.
Key Benefits for Neuropathic Pain Patients
- Significant reduction in neuropathic pain intensity
- Improved sleep quality disrupted by pain
- Reduced allodynia (pain from non-painful stimuli)
- Alternative to high-dose gabapentinoids with their associated risks
- Personalised prescription reviewed every three months
Am I Eligible?
You may be eligible for medical cannabis for neuropathic pain if you have been experiencing neuropathic pain for three months or more, have tried at least two conventional treatments (such as gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline, or duloxetine) without adequate relief, and are a UK resident aged 18 or over.
Start My Eligibility CheckFrequently Asked Questions
Is there evidence that cannabis helps nerve pain?
Yes. Neuropathic pain is one of the most extensively studied indications for medical cannabis. Multiple randomised controlled trials have demonstrated that inhaled cannabis and oral cannabinoids reduce neuropathic pain scores by 30–40% compared to placebo.
Can medical cannabis replace gabapentin or pregabalin?
Medical cannabis is not intended to replace existing medications without clinical supervision. However, some patients are able to reduce their gabapentinoid dose under clinical guidance once medical cannabis is established, potentially reducing side effects such as sedation and cognitive impairment.
What types of neuropathic pain can be treated?
MEDCANN's clinicians can assess and prescribe for a wide range of neuropathic conditions including diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, CRPS, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, spinal cord injury pain, and MS-related neuropathic pain.
How quickly does cannabis work for nerve pain?
Inhaled cannabis flower typically produces pain relief within minutes. Oils and capsules take 30–90 minutes. Most patients notice meaningful improvement in pain levels within 2–4 weeks, with optimal results after 2–3 months of dose titration.
Related Conditions We Treat
Ready to Start Your Treatment Journey?
Book an initial consultation with one of our specialist clinicians. If medical cannabis is appropriate for your neuropathic pain, a prescription will be issued and your medication dispensed and delivered by MEDCANN Pharmacy.