A recent revelation in the medical field suggests that cannabis users may require higher doses of opiates post-surgery. Chronic pain, often considered a distinct ailment, becomes a significant concern when intertwined with emotional distress and functional impairment.
Pathophysiologically, the dysfunction of the cortico-mesolimbic connectome emerges as a crucial factor, where signals in both the nociceptive and stress systems overlap. Exploring this connection, researchers delve into the role of the endocannabinoid system in central processing, shedding light on its regulation of nociceptive signals and the central stress response.
According to this study, clinically, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that cannabis-based medicines (CBM) might offer a substantial reduction in pain, particularly in managing the associated pain affect. Moreover, CBM showcases potential improvements in physical function and sleep quality for a subset of patients grappling with chronic pain. Remarkably, the analgesic effect seems to operate independently of the specific cause of pain, suggesting a broad applicability.
“Intriguingly, within this context, CBM appears to exert a preferential regulatory influence on stress-associated pain processing. This finding could have far-reaching implications for tailoring pain management strategies, especially in cases where emotional distress is a significant component of the chronic pain experience”, study shows.
The study concludes that intricate interplay between cannabis use, opiate dosage, and chronic pain management is a subject of ongoing exploration.
“While the need for higher opiate doses among cannabis users after surgery may pose challenges, the potential of cannabis-based medicines to alleviate chronic pain and associated distress opens avenues for nuanced and personalized approaches to pain management”, researchers concluded.
in Costa Rica. 
