Cannabis and orofacial pain: a systematic review

Cannabinoid therapeutics in orofacial pain management: a systematic review

“…8,9 These three receptors that cannabinoids activate are found across the central and peripheral nervous system in many organs and tissues, including the dental pulp and the periodontium. 5,10 Three groups of cannabinoids have been reported: 'phytocannabinoids' which are derived from the cannabis plant; 'endocannabinoids' which are naturally occurring cannabinoids synthesized in the human body that interact with cannabinoid receptors and synthetic cannabinoids. 11 Synthetic cannabinoids agonize CB1 and CB2 receptors and typically have a greater affinity for the CB1 receptor than endocannabinoids.…”

“…12 These products can be administered via several methods including oral-mucosal spray, sublingual oil capsules or tablets, smoking, vaporization and trans-dermal application. 5,12 Nabiximol (Sativexâ) and cannabidiol (Epidyolexâ) are the only cannabinoids currently registered on the ARTG. 17 Sativexâ is an oral-mucosal spray with a 1:1 THC and CBD ratio from cannabis extract used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.…”

“…13 The synthetic cannabinoids dronabinol (Marinolâ, Syndrosâ) and nabilone (Cesametâ) are licensed for medicinal use in the USA but not currently available in Australia, although have been used in Australia in the past under the SAS scheme. 5,17,18 Globally, there is growing acceptance, popularity and use of cannabinoid products for a range of health conditions, including orofacial pain. 5 Treating patients with pain in the orofacial region is one of the prominent roles that dentists play.…”

“…5,17,18 Globally, there is growing acceptance, popularity and use of cannabinoid products for a range of health conditions, including orofacial pain. 5 Treating patients with pain in the orofacial region is one of the prominent roles that dentists play. 5 Orofacial pain in the dental setting can include acute pain (e.g.…”

“…4 As the medicinal use of cannabinoids continue to rise throughout the world, their application for potential dental therapeutic benefit is being explored. 5 The Cannabis genus of flowering plants mainly comprises the sativa and indica species. 5 The two notable pharmacological constituents, that is cannabinoids isolated from the plant are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).…”