A small, short-term study of inhaled cannabis as a treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy has made a big impression on at least one prominent pain expert.

Results from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 16 patients indicated that inhaled cannabis produces a dose-dependent reduction of diabetic peripheral neuropathy–associated pain in treatment-refractory individuals (J Pain 2015;16:616-627).

“There’s enormous value in this study because it provides more support for the need for us to scientifically explore the potential opportunities with various cannabinoids,” said Lynn R. Webster, MD, who was not involved in the study. The past president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, vice president of scientific affairs for PRA Health Sciences in Salt Lake City and a Pain Medicine News editorial advisory board member also said, “There’s a whole bunch of exploration available with the various cannabinoid options for treating pain that have been significantly limited because of our regulatory barriers.”

Lead investigator...