Study Finds Cannabis Could Be Key to Easing Chronic Back Pain
(Getty/Jacob Watcher)
A groundbreaking new study has found that a cannabis-based medication can ease chronic back pain without the risks of addiction or serious side effects.
The trial, conducted by German pharmaceutical company Vertanical and published Monday in Nature, involved 800 patients suffering from lower-back pain—one of the most common and difficult-to-treat conditions worldwide.
Over 12 weeks, participants were randomly given either Vertanical’s proprietary liquid cannabis extract or a placebo. Those receiving the extract reported an average pain reduction of nearly two points on an 11-point scale, compared to 1.4 points for the placebo group—a statistically significant improvement. Patients also reported better sleep and physical function.
Importantly, many who continued treatment in a six-month extension phase experienced lasting pain relief, strengthening the case for cannabis as a long-term therapeutic option.
Lead researcher Dr. Matthias Karst of Hannover Medical School, who also serves as a consultant for Vertanical, said the findings demonstrate that cannabis “can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns commonly associated with opioids.”
The results could provide new hope for millions who struggle with chronic back pain, especially since common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can cause stomach issues when taken long-term, and opioids are no longer recommended due to their high risk of addiction.
Despite the growing body of evidence, cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law, even as most states have approved it for medical or recreational use.
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