High-Quality Clinical Trial Reveals Cannabis Extract Effectively Reduces Chronic Lower Back Pain

A recent phase 3 clinical trial has provided robust evidence that a specially formulated cannabis extract can significantly alleviate chronic lower back pain. This groundbreaking study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, involved over 800 participants suffering from persistent lower back pain unrelieved by conventional non-opioid medications. Participants took daily doses of the cannabis-derived compound, called VER-01, or a placebo over a 12-week period. The results demonstrated a notable average pain reduction of 1.9 points on a 10-point scale in the extract group, compared to just 0.6 in the placebo group. Furthermore, at the six-month mark, those on the cannabis extract experienced a total pain decrease of nearly 2.9 points, along with improvements in sleep quality, physical functioning, and overall quality of life. Each dose of VER-01 contains 2.5 milligrams of THC, the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Importantly, the study reported no serious side effects or signs of addiction, with common minor effects including dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, and nausea—all of which diminished over time. The lead researcher, Professor Matthias Karst from Hannover Medical School, emphasized that no feelings of being "high" were observed during the trial, highlighting the extract’s safety profile. Elsewhere, experts praised the study as the best evidence yet showing that specific cannabis compounds can help in managing chronic pain, although cautions remain about the general use of cannabis products outside regulated medical formulations. Researchers also highlighted that the proprietary nature of VER-01 distinguishes it from recreational cannabis or over-the-counter CBD products, which often vary widely in potency and purity. Pain specialists warned that this study does not imply all cannabis or CBD products will be effective, underlining the importance of specifically developed and regulated medicinal formulations for pain relief. Overall, this research marks a significant step toward incorporating cannabis-based treatments into mainstream pain management strategies, offering hope for those suffering from debilitating lower back pain.