# Medical cannabis for the management of pain in chronic pancreatitis with recurrent exacerbations: a case report

## TL;DR

A 54-year-old woman with chronic pancreatitis found significant pain relief through medical cannabis after conventional treatments failed.

## Contribution

This case report presents medical cannabis as a novel alternative for managing refractory chronic pancreatitis pain.

## Key findings

- Medical cannabis with cannabidiol reduced persistent pain and prevented acute episodes in a chronic pancreatitis patient.
- The treatment improved appetite and quality of life without success from prior interventions.
- The case suggests a potential role for cannabinoids in managing chronic pain and inflammation in complex conditions.

## Abstract

Control of pain in patients affected by chronic pancreatitis with recurrent exacerbations is a challenging condition, with conventional therapies often providing limited relief. This case report describes the use of medical cannabis as a novel approach in a patient with refractory chronic pancreatitis, contributing to the growing interest in alternative treatments for pain and inflammation in similar complex cases.

A 54-year-old woman with a 24-year history of chronic pancreatitis caused by recurrent acute pancreatitis presented with persistent, severe abdominal pain and recurrent exacerbations despite undergoing numerous conventional interventions, including cholecystectomy, enzyme supplementation, repeated endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs), and stent placements. Imaging and laboratory findings confirmed chronic pancreatitis, with evidence of Oddi sphincter stenosis and microlithiasis. The patient was initially managed with standard pain relief therapy, digestive enzymes, and endoscopic interventions, all of which failed to provide lasting relief. In February 2024, she began treatment with a medical cannabis formulation rich in Cannabidiol, under the supervision of her healthcare provider. This intervention led to substantial pain reduction, cessation of acute episodes, improved appetite, and enhanced quality of life.

This case illustrates that medical cannabis may offer a promising alternative for managing chronic pancreatitis, especially when conventional treatments prove ineffective. This outcome underscores the need for further research on cannabinoids as a therapeutic option in chronic pain and inflammation management for pancreatitis and other challenging conditions.