Scientists found a cannabis compound that relieves pain without the high | ScienceDaily

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Scientists found a cannabis compound that relieves pain without the high

Cannabis aroma compounds may hold the key to powerful pain relief—without the high.

Date:<br>June 20, 2026<br>Source:<br>University of Arizona, Office of Research and Partnerships<br>Summary:<br>Compounds responsible for the aroma of cannabis and many other plants may offer a surprising new way to relieve chronic pain. Researchers found that several cannabis-derived terpenes significantly reduced pain in mouse models of fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain, with one terpene, geraniol, showing especially strong effects. Unlike THC, these compounds are not associated with psychoactive effects, making them a potentially attractive alternative for pain treatment.<br>Share:

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Cannabis terpenes may offer a new avenue for treating post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain, according to a new paper published in Pharmacology Reports. Credit: Kris Hanning, U of A Health Sciences Office of Communications

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have identified compounds from the Cannabis sativa plant that may offer a new way to treat fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain. The findings, published in Pharmacological Reports, add to growing evidence that certain cannabis-derived molecules could help relieve chronic pain without causing the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

The study builds on earlier work from the lab of John Streicher, PhD, a member of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction, which found that terpenes could reduce pain in models of inflammation and chemotherapy-related nerve damage.

"Our research is showing that terpenes are not a good option for reducing acute pain resulting from an injury, such as stubbing your toe or touching a hot stove; however, we are seeing significant reductions in pain when terpenes are used for chronic or pathological pain," said Streicher, who is a professor in the U of A College of Medicine -- Tucson's Department of Pharmacology. "This study was the first to investigate the impact of terpenes in preclinical models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain and expand the scope of potential pain-relieving treatments using terpenes."

Cannabis Terpenes Show Strong Pain Relief

Terpenes are natural compounds responsible for the scent and flavor of many plants. In cannabis, they contribute to the plant's distinctive aroma and may also have medicinal properties.

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, terpenes do not produce the unwanted psychoactive effects commonly associated with cannabis. That makes them an appealing area of research for scientists searching for new pain treatments.

For this study, researchers examined four terpenes commonly found in Cannabis sativa: geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene.

In mouse models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain, all four compounds produced substantial pain-relieving effects. Geraniol delivered the strongest results, followed by linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene.

New Hope for Fibromyalgia Treatment

Fibromyalgia remains one of the most challenging chronic pain conditions to treat. The disorder affects muscles and soft tissues throughout the body and is estimated to impact up to 5% of the global population, according to research published in Healthcare (Basel) in 2023.

In the United States alone, about 4 million adults have fibromyalgia, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. Women are affected more often than men.

"With fibromyalgia, there isn't much understanding of what the pain state is, and there are not a lot of great options for treating it," Streicher said. "Our findings show that terpenes may be a viable treatment option for fibromyalgia pain, which could potentially have a large impact and make a difference for an under-treated population."

Potential Alternative for Post-Surgical Pain

The researchers also explored whether terpenes could help with pain following surgery.

Post-surgical pain occupies a unique middle ground between acute and chronic pain. Although it is typically temporary, surgery triggers biological changes including inflammation and increased sensitivity within the body's pain pathways, which can intensify discomfort.

"Opioids do a good job controlling post-surgical pain, but they can cause constipation that can increase the chances of post-surgical complications such as adhesions," Streicher said. "We are always looking for better options, and this study suggests that terpenes could be a novel therapeutic for post-operative pain."

According to research published in the International Journal of Surgery in 2020, roughly 310 million major surgical procedures are performed worldwide each year, highlighting the need for safer and more effective...