The effectiveness of vaporized cannabis (marijuana) was evaluated in these 8 hour human laboratory experiments. Following baseline evaluation, 42 participants experiencing neuropathic pain due to injury or disease of the spinal cord were given 4 puffs of either placebo or 2.9% or 6.7% THC.
A second dosing was given 3 hours later, at which time the participants were able to take 4-8 puffs. This flexible dosing method was used in an attempt to reduce the placebo effect.
This study demonstrated a significant analgesic response (pain relief) for vaporized cannabis. Both the lower and the higher dose were similarly effective for pain relief, and many medicinal users feel the best dose is the smallest dose that gives the desired result.
