Understanding how CBD can help relieve pain
Mechanism and Optimization of CBD-mediated analgesic effects
This study is looking at how CBD, a safe part of cannabis, can help relieve pain by understanding how it works in the brain and spinal cord, especially by focusing on a protein called KCC2, which could make CBD even better at easing chronic pain for people who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10662464 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the pain-relieving effects of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that enhance its analgesic properties. The study will explore how CBD interacts with specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, particularly focusing on the role of KCC2, a protein that helps regulate pain signaling. By manipulating KCC2 activity, the researchers hope to optimize the pain relief provided by CBD and other minor cannabinoids, potentially leading to more effective treatments for chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience chronic pain and are seeking alternative pain management therapies.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management options for patients suffering from chronic pain without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using cannabinoids for pain management, but this specific approach focusing on CBD and KCC2 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Zhigang — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: He, Zhigang
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.