Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Visceral Pain

Visceral pain is a frequent cause of seeking medical attention, and it displays distinct anatomical and functional features that make it particularly difficult to manage. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) expression is frequently upregulated in painful viscera and its innervation, particularly under chronic inflammatory conditions or cancer. Pancreatitis, endometriosis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease, lower tract urinary symptoms, and painful syndromes affecting the gonads may benefit from treatment with cannabinoid agonists (particularly of type 2 receptors, CB2R), or inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation. Clinical research will definitely determine the usefulness of these new strategies to treat visceral pain.