Medical Cannabis for CRPS: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What is CRPS?

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome causes severe, persistent pain — usually in a limb — following injury
• The pain is typically disproportionate to the original injury
• Accompanied by changes in skin temperature, colour, and texture
• Notoriously difficult to treat — many patients cycle through numerous approaches without adequate relief

CRPS is one of the most painful conditions known — and one where medical cannabis, with its central nervous system targets, has particular pharmacological relevance.

Cannabis in CRPS Management

• Cannabinoids act on peripheral CB1 and CB2 receptors, modulating neuroinflammation central to CRPS
• Patients in observational studies report reductions in burning pain and improved sleep
• THC:CBD combination products may offer superior benefit to either alone
• UK pain specialists increasingly include medical cannabis within CRPS treatment pathways

Medical cannabis in CRPS requires specialist assessment. EU-GMP certified products with documented cannabinoid profiles are preferred for managing complex pain conditions.