Cannabis terpenes: Potential replacement for post-surgery meds
Post-surgical pain can lead to long-term complications due to inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity. Opioids are the go-to solution, but they come with risks like addiction and constipation, which can cause further complications.
“Opioids help with post-surgical pain, but they can cause constipation, increasing the risk of complications like adhesions,” Streicher explained. “We’re always looking for better options, and this study suggests terpenes could be one.”
The research also found that terpenes work through the adenosine A2a receptor—the same one caffeine blocks—hinting at a potential sedative effect for future studies.