Cannabis Extract Significantly Relieves Chronic Back Pain in Trial

A large-scale clinical trial has found that VER-01, a full-spectrum extract from *Cannabis sativa*, significantly alleviates chronic low back pain (CLBP) and enhances quality of life for patients. Conducted across Austria and Germany, the study demonstrated that participants experienced meaningful pain relief, improved sleep quality, and better physical function over a 12-week period.

The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine in March 2025, highlights the pressing need for effective non-addictive pain management alternatives. CLBP is the leading cause of disability and work loss globally, often defined as pain persisting for over three months. Traditional pharmacological treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids, have considerable side effects and risks associated with long-term use. Thus, there is a rising interest in cannabis-based therapies for chronic pain.

Study Overview and Methodology

The trial was a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study that enrolled 820 adults aged 18 and older, all diagnosed with CLBP, with or without a neuropathic component. Participants received either VER-01 or a placebo for a 12-week treatment phase, followed by a six-month extension phase and an optional six-month withdrawal phase.

VER-01 is a standardized full-spectrum extract derived from a patented strain of *Cannabis sativa* known as DKJ127. Each dose contained 2.5 mg of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), alongside cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), as well as a range of other beneficial compounds. Participants were instructed to take the extract with or without food, while the use of other analgesics was restricted during specific trial phases.

The primary endpoint was the change in average weekly pain intensity from baseline to week 15, measured on an 11-point numeric rating scale. Secondary endpoints included assessments of sleep quality, physical function, and overall patient satisfaction.

Key Findings and Impact

Results revealed that the VER-01 group experienced an average reduction in pain intensity of 1.9 points from baseline, compared to a lesser reduction in the placebo group. Notably, the study met its primary endpoint, and patients with a neuropathic pain component showed even greater improvements. Significant enhancements were also reported in physical function and sleep quality, contributing to an overall better quality of life.

Moreover, the number needed to treat for a 30% pain response was determined to be 6.8, indicating that a relatively small number of patients need to be treated with VER-01 for one to experience significant relief. During the follow-up phase, participants maintained their pain reduction without signs of diminishing efficacy, reinforcing the long-term potential of this treatment.

Adverse events were reported by 83% of participants in the VER-01 group, compared to 67% in the placebo group. Most adverse events were mild to moderate and transient, with a higher discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the VER-01 group at 17.3% compared to 3.5% for placebo. Importantly, no severe adverse events led to fatalities, and no evidence of abuse or dependence was observed throughout the trial.

Satisfaction with tolerability improved significantly over the course of the study, rising from 68% at the end of Phase A to 84% by the end of Phase C.

The findings of this trial offer substantial evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of VER-01 as a treatment option for those suffering from chronic low back pain, contributing to the growing conversation around the use of cannabis-based medications in clinical settings. With ongoing research and further trials, VER-01 may represent a promising alternative for pain management, particularly as the medical community seeks safer, non-addictive therapies.