Medical Cannabis and Pain: A new evidence base for confident prescribing
April 29, 2026 | IN PUBLICATIONS | BY Kate Thorpe
The Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society (MCCS) has today launched its latest addition to the Evidence Base Series: a comprehensive review of the clinical evidence for cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) in the treatment of pain.
Pain remains one of the most common reasons patients seek medical cannabis, and one of the most debated areas in terms of evidence, guidance, and clinical confidence. This publication brings together a fragmented evidence base into a clear, structured resource to support informed prescribing decisions.
One of the persistent challenges in medical cannabis has been the perception that the evidence is either limited or unclear. In reality, the issue is often not absence of data, but fragmentation. Studies exist across different formats, populations, and methodologies, making it difficult to interpret the evidence in a way that is clinically useful. This publication addresses that problem by synthesising the data into a single, accessible resource.
A clear, evidence-led approach to prescribing
Professor Mike Barnes, Chair of the Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society, highlights the importance of this approach:
“There is not an absence of evidence in this area, but there are different types of evidence, often spread across a wide and fragmented literature. Clinicians are not short of studies, but they are short of time. Bringing together this volume of evidence in a clear and structured way allows prescribers to make informed decisions based on the totality of the data, not just individual papers.”
The publication focuses on the role of cannabinoids, particularly THC and CBD, across a range of pain conditions, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer-related pain. It examines not only efficacy, but also safety, tolerability, and the balance of risk and benefit in real-world clinical settings.
By grounding its analysis in both clinical trials and real-world evidence, the MCCS aims to provide a more complete picture. Observational data and case series are not positioned as replacements for controlled trials, but as complementary sources of insight, particularly in a developing area of medicine where large-scale trials are still emerging.
For clinicians, the value of this resource is practical. It does not attempt to dictate prescribing decisions. Instead, it provides the evidence needed to support them. This includes understanding where CBMPs may be appropriate, where caution is required, and how different patient groups may respond. The launch of the pain evidence base also reflects a broader shift within the sector. As prescribing increases and scrutiny grows, there is a clear need for consistent, evidence-informed approaches. Publications like this play a key role in raising standards, supporting clinicians, and ultimately improving patient care.
Medical cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Its place in care needs to be judged case by case, using clear, reliable evidence rather than assumption or anecdote. For clinicians working with complex or treatment-resistant pain, good evidence supports more confident decisions and more consistent care.
Buy the Pain Evidence Base
The Medical Cannabis and Pain Evidence Base is available now for £20, with a discounted rate available for MCCS members.
If you are prescribing, or considering prescribing, this resource provides a structured, clinically relevant review of the evidence to support your decision-making.
Explore the full Evidence Base Series
This publication forms part of a growing Evidence Base Series, alongside Introduction to Medical Cannabis and Medical Cannabis and Epilepsy, both available to buy now. The next title in the series, Medical Cannabis and Psychiatry, is due to be published soon.
➡️ Explore the full Evidence Base Series
