A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that a specially developed cannabis extract can effectively alleviate chronic lower back pain. This trial, considered the gold standard for researching medical drugs, marks the first high-quality evidence that a component in the cannabis plant can treat pain.
Chronic lower back pain is a prevalent condition affecting over half a billion people globally and is a leading cause of disability according to the World Health Organization. Current treatment options for chronic back pain are limited to common painkillers like ibuprofen, which can have adverse effects with long-term use, or opioids, which are highly addictive and potentially dangerous.
The clinical trial involved over 800 individuals with chronic lower back pain who did not experience relief from non-opioid medications. Participants were given a cannabis extract called VER-01 or a placebo for 12 weeks, with those taking the extract reporting a significant reduction in pain compared to the placebo group. After six months, participants on the extract reported further pain reduction, improved sleep, physical function, and overall quality of life.
Each dose of VER-01 contains 2.5 milligrams of THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana. The study found no evidence of addiction or serious side effects, with common side effects including temporary dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, and mild nausea. Lead author Matthias Karst emphasized that participants did not experience any psychoactive effects from the extract during the trial.
Pain researcher Andrew Moore praised the trial as “terrific” and emphasized the importance of the evidence showing the potential benefits of cannabis for pain management. However, he cautioned against assuming the extract is not addictive, highlighting the need for further research. The VER-01 strain is specifically designed to meet medical standards and could potentially be prescribed for chronic pain, distinguishing it from other cannabis products on the market.
While this trial provides valuable insight into the efficacy of a specific cannabis extract for chronic pain, researchers stress that not all cannabis or CBD products may have the same effect. The study’s findings highlight the importance of developing standardized cannabis-based medications for pain management.
In conclusion, the clinical trial’s results offer promising evidence of the benefits of a cannabis extract in treating chronic lower back pain. As research in this area continues to evolve, it is essential to prioritize high-quality studies to further understand the potential of cannabis-based treatments for chronic pain management.
