Health
A recent clinical trial indicates that VER-01, a cannabis-derived medication, has shown promise in alleviating chronic lower back pain while exhibiting minimal side effects and no evidence of addiction.
A cannabis extract was tested as a treatment for chronic pain
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A recent study has revealed that VER-01, an extract from the cannabis plant featuring 5% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is effective in relieving chronic lower back pain while minimizing serious side effects and eliminating any risk of addiction. This breakthrough could offer a much-needed alternative to current pain management medications.
Chronic pain management options are often limited, leaving many patients reliant on opioids, which carry significant addiction risks. The clinical trials for VER-01 involved 820 participants suffering from chronic lower back pain, with half receiving the drug and the other half a placebo over a period of 12 weeks. Results demonstrated that those on VER-01 experienced an average pain score reduction of 1.9 on a scale of 0 to 10, in contrast to a 1.4 reduction for placebo users. Notably, there were no adverse effects suggesting potential withdrawal or dependency.
This study stands out as the most comprehensive investigation thus far into the therapeutic potential of cannabis-based medications for chronic pain, strengthening the growing body of research supporting its use.
“It’s one of the first rigorously conducted studies in medical cannabis that both researchers and patients have eagerly anticipated,” commented Winfried Meissner from Jena University Hospital in Germany, who was part of the research team. “Prior evidence has been scarce, based on lower-quality studies with fewer participants.”
Participants taking VER-01 also reported notable improvements in sleep quality and physical functioning, and the reported side effects were predominantly mild—such as dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea. During the trial, patients gradually increased their dosage as needed, up to 13 doses daily.
VER-01 proved particularly effective for alleviating neuropathic pain related to nerve damage. Meissner emphasized that while physical therapy should be the first line of treatment for chronic pain, medications can play a crucial role for those with limited mobility. “Even a slight reduction in pain can significantly motivate patients to engage in physical activity,” he stated.
Despite the moderate nature of the pain relief observed, substantial reductions in chronic pain are uncommon. Marta Di Forti from King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, noted, “The improved sleep quality reported by participants may have a far-reaching positive impact on their overall functionality. It’s essential to approach chronic pain management with realistic expectations regarding treatment outcomes.”
Di Forti also highlighted the importance of the findings regarding the lack of dependency among participants using VER-01, expressing hope for its future prescription. She frequently encounters patients resorting to unregulated street cannabis for pain relief, which poses significant risks due to the variable THC levels. “This trial, with its rigorous randomized control format, is a crucial step towards validating the use of cannabis for medical purposes,” she added. “The positive results related to pain management are indeed promising.”
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