Cannabis Extracts Demonstrated to Relieve Back Pain

Extracts from cannabis have shown potential in relieving chronic low back pain, offering an alternative to traditional painkillers with minimal risk of serious side effects or addiction.

At present, treatment options for chronic pain are limited, forcing many patients to rely on opioids, which carry a substantial risk of addiction.

The experimental drug VER-01 is derived from the cannabis plant and contains 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient.

In a clinical trial, 820 participants with chronic low back pain were randomly assigned to receive either VER-01 or a placebo over a 12-week period. The results indicated an average pain score reduction of 1.9 for those taking VER-01 on a scale of 0-10, compared to a reduction of 1.4 for those on placebo. No adverse events signaling risks of withdrawal or abuse were reported.

This study stands out as one of the most rigorous to validate a cannabis-based treatment for chronic pain, contributing to the increasing interest in cannabis as a legitimate pain management option.

“This is among the first high-quality research initiatives on medical cannabis that many have been anticipating, both researchers and patients alike,” states Winfried Meissner, a researcher at Jena University Hospital in Germany. “Previous evidence has been weak, with past studies lacking in quality and participants.”

Participants taking VER-01 also reported marked improvements in sleep quality and physical functioning, with mild side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. Patients were able to gradually increase their dosage to 13 times per day during the treatment.

This treatment proved particularly effective for lower back pain originating from nerve damage, classified as neuropathic pain. Meissner emphasizes that patients with chronic pain should initially pursue physical therapy, while painkillers can assist those unable to engage in movement. “Even a modest degree of pain relief can motivate patients to exercise,” he explains.

Although the pain reduction was not dramatic, significant reductions in chronic pain are uncommon. Marta Di Forti from King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, notes, “The improvement in sleep quality, a secondary outcome of the research, can profoundly influence daily functioning.” “In chronic pain instances, substantial effects are rare.”

Di Forti added that the study showed no signs of drug dependence among the participants, hoping this could pave the way for a prescription. She frequently hears from patients who find cannabis effective but resort to purchasing it from dealers. She highlights the variability in THC levels in cannabis products, which can lead to excessive consumption and increase the potential for substance misuse.

“In an environment where claims about cannabis proliferate, we are rigorously testing it through randomized controlled trials,” she asserts. “In my opinion, the evidence that it alleviates pain is excellent news.”