Researchers tested an experimental cannabis extract, VER-01, on adults with persistent lower back pain. Patients reported meaningful pain relief without serious side effects. VER-01 targets pain while avoiding addiction risks linked to opioids and long-term complications from NSAIDs. Chronic lower back pain affects roughly 619 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Scientists emphasize that recurrent pain can severely limit daily life and work, creating an urgent need for safer treatments.
Clinical Trial Shows Measurable Benefits
The trial enrolled 820 adults who had insufficient relief from non-opioid medicines. Researchers divided participants into two groups: one received VER-01, the other a placebo. Participants rated their pain on a 0–10 scale. After three months, the VER-01 group reported an average 1.9-point pain reduction, while the placebo group reported only 0.6 points. In a six-month extension, VER-01 users gained an additional 1.1-point reduction and reported improved sleep and physical function. The results, published in Nature Medicine, highlight clinically significant benefits. Experts like Jan Vollert from the University of Exeter called the findings promising but emphasized the need for further studies to confirm the results.
Safety, Composition, and Cautions
Patients experienced mild dizziness, nausea, and temporary drowsiness, with no signs of abuse or dependence. VER-01 contains 2.5 milligrams of THC per dose, along with other cannabis-derived compounds, delivering therapeutic effects without recreational highs. Vollert stressed that VER-01 differs completely from smoking cannabis. He compared the two to eating hazelnuts versus Nutella: similar origins but vastly different effects. Researchers plan additional studies comparing VER-01 to standard opioids for chronic back pain. If validated, VER-01 could provide millions a safer, effective alternative to traditional pain management.
