Cannabis and the endocannabinoid system may play roles in several ear, nose, and throat conditions
A review found that the endocannabinoid system is involved in several otolaryngic conditions, with potential therapeutic benefits for pain, inflammation, and head/neck cancers, alongside known risks from cannabis use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers reviewed the endocannabinoid signaling system in the context of ear, nose, and throat medicine. Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance worldwide, and otolaryngologists encounter its effects and potential benefits across multiple conditions.
The review identified potential therapeutic roles in several domains. For pain management, cannabinoids showed promise for chronic head and neck pain. For inflammation, endocannabinoid system modulation could address various inflammatory conditions in the head and neck. Research has demonstrated potential antineoplastic benefits in oral, thyroid, and skin cancers.
On the risk side, the review documented adverse effects of cannabis use relevant to otolaryngology, including effects on the oral mucosa, throat irritation from smoking, and potential interactions with surgical anesthesia. Two synthetic cannabinoids (dronabinol and nabilone) were FDA-approved at the time of publication for chemotherapy-related nausea/vomiting, cachexia, and appetite loss.
The authors emphasized that with increasing use and changing legislation, otolaryngologists need to be aware of both the adverse manifestations and potential therapeutic benefits when discussing cannabis with patients.
Key Numbers
Two FDA-approved synthetic cannabinoids at time of publication. Approved indications: chemotherapy-related nausea/vomiting, cachexia, appetite loss. Research showing potential anti-cancer effects in oral, thyroid, and skin cancers.
How They Did This
This was a narrative review of the current literature on cannabis use, the endocannabinoid signaling system, and their relevance to otolaryngology practice, including regulatory status and clinical implications.
Why This Research Matters
Otolaryngologists see patients for conditions ranging from head/neck cancer to chronic pain to sleep disorders, many of which involve the endocannabinoid system. As more patients use or ask about cannabis, these specialists need to understand both the risks and potential benefits specific to their field.
The Bigger Picture
This review reflects a growing trend of specialty-specific cannabis reviews, as physicians in every field encounter patients who use cannabis. The otolaryngology perspective is particularly relevant because the head and neck are both sites of cannabis exposure (via smoking) and potential therapeutic targets.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
This is a broad narrative review covering many topics at a general level. Much of the therapeutic evidence is preclinical. The review does not provide specific dosing or clinical guidance for using cannabinoids in otolaryngic conditions. The regulatory landscape has evolved since publication.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could cannabinoid-based treatments be developed specifically for head/neck cancers?
- ?How should otolaryngologists counsel patients who smoke cannabis about the effects on their airway and oral mucosa?
- ?What role might cannabinoids play in post-surgical pain management for head/neck procedures?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Potential anti-cancer effects demonstrated in oral, thyroid, and skin cancer research
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a specialty-specific narrative review covering a broad range of evidence levels, from preclinical to clinical.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018. Cannabinoid research in otolaryngology continues to develop.
- Original Title:
- Therapeutic Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling System Modulator Use in Otolaryngology Patients.
- Published In:
- Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 3(3), 169-177 (2018)
- Authors:
- Bryant, Lucas M, Daniels, Kelly E, Cognetti, David M, Tassone, Patrick, Luginbuhl, Adam J, Curry, Joseph M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01608
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis help with head and neck cancer?
Preclinical research has shown potential antineoplastic effects of cannabinoids in oral, thyroid, and skin cancers. However, this has not been confirmed in human clinical trials, and no cannabis product is approved for cancer treatment.
Does smoking cannabis affect the throat?
Yes. Cannabis smoking can cause throat irritation, effects on the oral mucosa, and other respiratory symptoms. These are among the known risks that otolaryngologists should discuss with patients who smoke cannabis.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01608APA
Bryant, Lucas M; Daniels, Kelly E; Cognetti, David M; Tassone, Patrick; Luginbuhl, Adam J; Curry, Joseph M. (2018). Therapeutic Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling System Modulator Use in Otolaryngology Patients.. Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 3(3), 169-177. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.154
MLA
Bryant, Lucas M, et al. "Therapeutic Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling System Modulator Use in Otolaryngology Patients.." Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.154
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Therapeutic Cannabis and Endocannabinoid Signaling System Mo..." RTHC-01608. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bryant-2018-therapeutic-cannabis-and-endocannabinoid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.