Pain and cannabinoids: science and evidence.

Pain and cannabinoids: science and evidence. The endogenous cannabinoid system is widespread and responsible for a number of modulatory functions, including analgesia. Akin to the endogenous opioid system, the analgesic actions of cannabinoids are mediated by the neuronal receptor ( CB1) and immune cell- expressed receptor ( CB2). Animal data have shown cannabinoids to be effective in many models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Less evidence is available from human studies, although investigation is under way. Ultimately, an effective cannabinoid analgesic should aim to be therapeutic but without the 'high' of unwanted central side effects.