Up in Smoke: Management of Pain and Addiction

Thomas Viola RPh, C.C.P

Will Cannabis Join…or Even Replace…Opioids in the Management of Pain and Addiction?

Many states have legalized cannabis (marijuana) for medical use and for recreational purposes. It has been promoted as a replacement for opioids in the treatment of pain and even as a substitute for opioids in the treatment of addiction. Yet, due to its status as a Schedule I substance, there has been relatively little research regarding cannabis and its medicinal uses, especially in dentistry.

This course will explore the rationale for the use of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in the management of acute dental pain. This course will also explore the various dosage forms of cannabis, its routes of administration, adverse effects, effects on dental treatment, and its potential use in managing pain and addiction.

Upon successful completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the pharmacology and mechanism of action of opioid and non-opioid analgesics.
• Describe the pharmacology, mechanism of action, routes of administration, adverse effects and dental considerations of cannabis.
• Describe the management of opioid addiction, including the purported uses of cannabis in this regard.
• Explore the proposed intended role of cannabis, with and without opioid analgesics, in the management of acute dental pain