Cannabis and cannabidiol for postoperative pain management in orthopedic surgery: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE

The use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) as alternatives to opioids for managing postoperative pain has gained increasing interest, especially in orthopedic surgical contexts, where opioid dependence remains a pressing concern. This scoping review evaluates experimental studies published from 2014 to 2025 that investigated the efficacy and safety of cannabis or CBD products in managing postoperative orthopedic pain.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

METHODS

A total of 14 experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized by cannabinoid composition (CBD only, tetrahydrocannabinol [THC] only, or CBD/THC combination).

RESULTS

Whereas CBD-only interventions showed mixed results, THC/CBD combinations demonstrated modest potential for opioid-sparing effects, with neutral safety profiles. One THC-only study reported increased opioid use and length of stay, though confounding variables were present.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the heterogeneity in study design, cannabinoid formulation, dosing, and patient factors limits significant conclusions. There is a critical need for standardized, prospective clinical trials to better evaluate the potential of cannabinoids in the postoperative period after orthopedic surgery.