A new study has found that an experimental cannabis-based drug may provide meaningful relief for patients suffering from chronic back pain. The clinical trial, which involved 800 patients, is adding weight to the growing body of research highlighting the therapeutic potential of cannabis for pain management.
The research, conducted by German drugmaker Vertanical, tested a proprietary liquid extract that combines cannabinoids in carefully controlled doses. Unlike over-the-counter medications or opioids, this cannabis-based drug was shown to reduce pain without the same risks of dependence or abuse that have long plagued traditional painkillers.
How the Cannabis-Based Drug Works
Unlike Epidiolex, an FDA-approved treatment for rare epileptic seizures that contains only CBD, Vertanical’s new formula includes microdosed THC—the psychoactive compound in cannabis. The amount is so small that patients did not experience intoxication. This makes the cannabis-based drug unique, as it balances therapeutic cannabinoids while minimizing unwanted side effects.
Patients in the study reported improvements not only in pain levels but also in sleep quality and physical function. After 12 weeks, those taking the cannabis-based drug reported a nearly two-point reduction in pain on an 11-point scale, compared with just 1.4 points in the placebo group.
Why a Cannabis-Based Drug Matters
Traditional treatments like ibuprofen and opioids carry risks—NSAIDs can damage the stomach, while opioids are tied to addiction and overdose. A safe and effective cannabis-based drug could offer patients a new pathway to relief.
Dr. Matthias Karst, lead author of the study and a pain specialist at Hannover Medical School, explained that this breakthrough shows cannabis “can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function without the safety concerns of opioids.” The results, published in Nature, have drawn global attention.
Next Steps for Approval
Vertanical has already filed an application for its cannabis-based drug with European regulators. In the U.S., the company is working with the FDA to design clinical trials that could eventually lead to approval. If successful, this cannabis-based drug could become one of the first widely prescribed cannabinoid-based medications for chronic back pain.
Final Thoughts
With opioid addiction still a national crisis and millions seeking safer alternatives for pain management, the promise of a cannabis-based drug is significant. As more research emerges, patients and healthcare providers alike are watching closely. If approved, this innovation could redefine how chronic pain is treated and further validate the role of cannabis in modern medicine.