NIH to investigate mechanism of CBD as a pain reliever

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded a total of $3 million to nine United States locations to research minor cannabinoids such as CBD as a potential pain relieving treatment and elaborate on its mechanism of action. Each site is investigating a broad range of different cannabinoid and terpene studies to understand their effects as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. 

These studies are funded by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) which is associated with the NIH.

“THC may help relieve pain, but its value as an analgesic is limited by its psychoactive effects and abuse potential,” said David Shurtleff, Ph.D., deputy director of NCCIH. “These new projects will investigate substances from cannabis that don’t have THC’s disadvantages, looking at their basic biological activity and their potential mechanisms of action as pain relievers.”

The sites include Boston, San Francisco, North Carolina, New York, Austin, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. 

NIH to investigate minor cannabinoids and terpenes for potential pain-relieving properties - September 2019 NIH News Release