NCCIH Research Blog

Identifying and developing novel strategies to treat acute and chronic pain are strong public health needs. More than 25 million adults in the U.S. experience daily pain. And, more than 2 million Americans have an opioid use disorder (OUD). The National Institutes of Health urges the scientific community to help develop solutions to these public health emergencies.

According to a growing body of literature, the cannabis plant may have analgesic properties. However, the progress of research into those potential properties has been slow. More knowledge is needed regarding the basic biological activity of the plant’s diverse phytochemicals—especially, its minor cannabinoids and terpenes, few of which have been extensively studied— to be able to tackle many scientific questions. These questions may include: Can the analgesic constituents of cannabis be isolated and separated from its psychoactive constituents? What are the targets and mechanisms of action for these molecules? Could these constituents be further developed to treat pain, OUD, and other related conditions (e.g., sleep disturbance)?

If you’re a researcher who is interested in applying for an NCCIH grant in this area, please join us for a preapplication Technical Assistance Webinar on Minor Cannabinoids and Pain on Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Staff from the NCCIH Division of Extramural Research will discuss two current Funding Opportunity Announcements from the Center:

• Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Analgesic Properties of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes (R01 Clinical Trial Optional), RFA-AT-19-008
• Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying Analgesic Properties of Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes (R21 Clinical Trial Optional), RF-AT-19-009

They’ll provide an overview of each initiative and address applicant questions. The webinar is optional and not required for application submission. Please register online.

We hope this event will help applicants as they consider developing an application for these research opportunities. NCCIH also offers an information portal for consumers and health professionals on marijuana and cannabinoids.

• Register for Technical Assistance Webinar on Minor Cannabinoids and Pain