Researchers tested VER-01, a cannabis-derived medication, on adults with persistent lower back pain. Patients reported notable pain relief within months. The extract delivers precise doses without causing addiction or severe side effects. Chronic lower back pain affects over 619 million people worldwide and remains the leading cause of disability. Traditional treatments like opioids carry high addiction risks, while NSAIDs can damage the heart or stomach over time. Many patients struggle to find effective therapies, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives.
Clinical Trial Shows Meaningful Improvements
The trial included 820 adults whose pain persisted despite non-opioid medication. Researchers divided participants into two groups. One group received VER-01, while the other received a placebo. Patients tracked their pain on a 0–10 scale. After three months, VER-01 users reported a 1.9-point reduction, versus 0.6 points for the placebo group. Researchers extended the study six more months, during which patients reported another 1.1-point decrease. They also noticed better sleep and increased physical function. Scientists published the results in Nature Medicine, highlighting the clinical significance of the extract. Experts like Jan Vollert called the findings promising but stressed the need for further studies.
Safety Profile and Distinction from Smoking Cannabis
Patients experienced mild, temporary side effects, including dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. Researchers detected no signs of dependence or abuse. VER-01 contains 2.5 milligrams of THC and other compounds from Cannabis sativa. Experts caution that smoking cannabis differs entirely from taking VER-01. Vollert compared the two to eating hazelnuts versus Nutella: they share a base, but their effects differ greatly. Researchers plan future studies comparing VER-01 directly with opioid therapies. If larger trials confirm its benefits, the extract could provide a safer, effective treatment for chronic lower back pain worldwide.
