Joanne Cameron, 75, has a mutation in the FAAH gene that stops her feeling pain. Levels of anandamide, a substance with marijuana-like effects, are higher than normal in Cameron's body.
Cameron's case could be the key to the development of painkillers without the addictive risk of opioids, according to the Spanish newspaper El Pais. One way to take advantage of these synergistic effects would be to combine a lowdose of an opioid, with another reduced dose of a cannabinoid.