THC/CBD therapy nearly halved jaw pain scores and eliminated most functional limitations in TMD patients

THC/CBD improved all outcomes versus both baseline and post-placebo (p < 0.05). VAS pain decreased from 7.35 to 3.50. Mouth opening increased from 45.9 mm to 49.9 mm. Functional pain dropped by approximately 90%. Allodynia and hyperalgesia were nearly eliminated. Effect sizes exceeded 0.8 (large). Placebo effects were minimal.

Blinded, crossover, non-randomized study of 20 adults with chronic myofascial TMD pain (DC/TMD diagnosis). Two consecutive 90-day phases: placebo followed by THC/CBD (1:1 ratio, starting at 2 mg/day, titrating to 10 mg/day sublingually over 5 weeks). Outcomes: VAS pain, algometry, mandibular function, and pain sensitivity. Linear mixed models used for analysis.

Temporomandibular disorder affects up to 12% of the population and causes chronic orofacial pain that often responds poorly to conventional treatments. This study provides clinical evidence for THC/CBD therapy with large effect sizes and measurable functional improvements, not just subjective pain reduction.

The near-elimination of allodynia and hyperalgesia is particularly noteworthy, as these pain sensitization phenomena are central to chronic pain conditions and are difficult to treat with standard analgesics. The sublingual delivery route and low total dose (10 mg/day) suggest this approach may be practical for clinical implementation.

Non-randomized crossover without washout between placebo and active phases means carryover or order effects cannot be excluded. Small sample (n=20). Single-site study. The blinding may have been compromised by THC psychoactive effects. No long-term follow-up beyond 90 days.