Cannabis and Cannabidiol for Post-Operative Pain Management in Orthopedic Surgery: A Scoping Review

Objective The use of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) as alternatives to opioids for managing post-operative pain has gained increasing interest, especially in orthopedic surgical contexts where opioid dependence remains a pressing concern. This scoping review evaluates experimental studies from 2014 to 2025 that investigated the efficacy and safety of cannabis or CBD products in managing post-operative orthopedic pain. Design Scoping Review Methods A total of 14experimental studies met the inclusion criteria and were categorized by cannabinoid composition (CBD-only, THC-only, or CBD/THC combination). Results While 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 post-operative orthopedic surgery.