A 54-year-old woman with a 24-year history of chronic pancreatitis experienced substantial pain reduction and cessation of acute episodes after starting CBD-rich medical cannabis.
gastroenterologists, pain management clinicians, chronic pancreatitis patients
What the researchers found
After 24 years of failed conventional treatments including cholecystectomy, enzyme supplementation, multiple ERCPs, and stent placements, a CBD-rich medical cannabis formulation led to substantial pain reduction, cessation of acute episodes, improved appetite, and enhanced quality of life.
Why it matters
Chronic pancreatitis pain is notoriously difficult to manage, and this case illustrates medical cannabis as a potential option when conventional treatments fail, consistent with the larger NIS database findings.
The numbers in context
1 patient, age 54. 24-year disease history. Prior treatments: cholecystectomy, enzyme supplementation, repeated ERCPs, stent placements. CBD-rich cannabis started February 2024. Outcomes: substantial pain reduction, cessation of acute episodes, improved appetite, enhanced quality of life.
How the study worked
Case report of a 54-year-old woman with chronic pancreatitis caused by recurrent acute pancreatitis, Oddi sphincter stenosis, and microlithiasis. Treatment with CBD-rich medical cannabis was initiated in February 2024 under healthcare provider supervision after exhausting conventional options.
What this study cannot tell us
Single case report. No control or comparison. Placebo effect possible. Specific CBD and THC doses and formulation details not provided in the abstract. No long-term follow-up described.
How to read the evidence
Single case report provides the lowest level of clinical evidence, despite the compelling narrative.
When this study was published
Treatment initiated February 2024.
The bigger picture
While a single case report cannot establish efficacy, this case adds to the growing evidence base for cannabinoid use in refractory pancreatic pain. The success after decades of failed treatments is notable.
Questions still open
- What CBD dose and formulation were used?
- Would the improvements persist long-term?
Common questions
Can cannabis cure chronic pancreatitis?
What other treatments had been tried?
Read the original research
Medical cannabis for the management of pain in chronic pancreatitis with recurrent exacerbations: a case report.
Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 55
Citation
Spaccavento, Felice Antonio; De Virgilio Suglia, Cesare; Tafuri, Silvio; De Trizio, Angela; Giannuzzi, Rossella; Cavallera, Filomena; Turco, Fabio. (2025). Medical cannabis for the management of pain in chronic pancreatitis with recurrent exacerbations: a case report.. Journal of cannabis research, 7(1), 55. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00303-w
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