A narrative review depicted that compared to opioids, Cannabinoids have a safer side-effect profile and might potentially be used in conjunction with opioids to offer even greater analgesia.  Researchers sought to elucidate the advantages, hazards, and effectiveness of using Cannabinoids as an adjuvant to opioids in managing various subtypes of pain.

The use of Cannabinoids to combat several forms of pain, including geriatric pain, cancer pain, acute postoperative pain, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain was comprehensively explored across databases. For reporting, information from randomized control trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses was given precedence.

The use of Cannabinoids for pain management was supported by contradictory research. Although certain chronic pain subcategories, such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia pain, and geriatric pain, were treated effectively by Cannabinoids, but acute postoperative pain and the bulk of musculoskeletal pain syndromes did not clearly benefit from the use of Cannabinoids.

Even though results were not completely definitive, data pointed towards Cannabinoids having a beneficial impact in reducing cancer pain. Data contrasting Cannabinoids with opioids directly for the treatment of pain were few. The side effects of Cannabinoids seemed to be mostly mild. But, drug-drug interactions, mental comorbidities, altered brain development, and addiction were still possible.

The use of Cannabinoids as the first-line treatment for any kind of chronic or acute pain is not currently supported by current research or recommendations, while they may be useful in some subtypes of pain. Instead, it can be viewed as a helpful adjuvant or substitute for subjects  who either have failed first-line treatment or have refractory chronic neuropathic pain. For a more robust analysis, further trials using standardized Cannabinoids, delivery methods, and dosage routes are required.