Ann Intern Med

ACP releases guidance on cannabis use for chronic pain

April 17, 2025

The American College of Physicians' Population Health and Medical Science Committee (PHMSC) developed best practice advice to inform clinicians about the benefits and harms of cannabis or cannabinoids in managing chronic noncancer pain. This guidance is based on a review of systematic reviews and primary studies, focusing on areas where evidence is uncertain or emerging.

• Best practice advice 1a: Counsel patients about the benefits and harms of cannabis or cannabinoids when considering their use for managing chronic noncancer pain.
• Best practice advice 1b: Advise that the harms of cannabis or cannabinoid use likely outweigh the benefits for young adults, adolescents, patients with substance use disorders, serious mental illness, frailty, or those at risk of falling.
• Best practice advice 2: Advise against the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for managing chronic noncancer pain in patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
• Best practice advice 3: Discourage the use of inhaled cannabis for managing chronic noncancer pain.

Source:

Kansagara D, et al; Population Health and Medical Science Committee of the American College of Physicians. (2025, April 4). Ann Intern Med. Cannabis or Cannabinoids for the Management of Chronic Noncancer Pain: Best Practice Advice From the American College of Physicians. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40183677/