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

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/cbd-for-postoperative-pain-scoping-review/
> **Published:** 2026-09-19T17:28:22-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-10-20T13:40:58-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Current clinical evidence regarding the use of cannabinoids for postoperative pain in orthopedic surgery remains inconclusive due to significant trial.

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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.

 

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).