Cannabis extract effective in treating chronic back pain

A new clinical study published in Nature Medicine shows that a standardized cannabis extract can effectively relieve chronic lower back pain. Importantly, the treatment was not associated with serious side effects or signs of addiction.

An alternative to opioids

Until now, patients suffering from chronic pain have often had to resort to opioids, which carry a high risk of addiction. The experimental drug VER-01 , containing 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, may offer a safer alternative.

• in people taking the drug, pain decreased by an average of 1.9 points on a scale of 0–10,

• in the placebo group – by 1.4 points ,

• There were no withdrawal symptoms or signals indicating the possibility of abuse of the preparation.

Experts emphasize that this is one of the first studies on medical marijuana conducted on such a large scale and in compliance with high scientific standards.

Patients using VER-01 also reported improved sleep quality and physical performance. Most side effects were mild, most commonly dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. The dosage was gradually increased, up to 13 doses per day.

Researchers point out that the mere fact of improved sleep had a significant impact on the patients' daily functioning.

Treatment has proven most effective in people with neuropathic pain, which is pain associated with nerve damage. This group of patients often has the greatest difficulty responding to standard pain medications.