Some cannabis products with psychoactive ingredients can help improve short-term chronic pain, but their side effects remain a concern, according to a review of 25 trials and studies. While opioids are frequently prescribed to manage chronic pain, they demonstrate little effect on pain overall and are associated with significant adverse effects.

Cannabinoid products are a potential alternative and can come from multiple sources, including synthetic, extract, or whole plant. The term "cannabinoid" references compounds that are active in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These compounds have previously demonstrated pain-relief properties that vary depending on the ratio of THC to CBD.