A specific cannabis extract gives good results against chronic back pain

A cannabis extract developed in Germany has proven effective in reducing chronic back pain, according to a clinical trial involving more than 800 patients published in Nature Medicine.

Cannabis extract VER-01

The drug tested, known as VER-01, is produced by the pharmaceutical company Vertanical from a strain of Jack Herer (patented variety DKJ127). The full-spectrum extract contains 5% of THC, with sesame oil as excipient, and each dose delivers 2.5 milligrams of THC, a relatively low dose to avoid triggering psychotropic effects, 0.1 mg cannabigerol and 0.02 mg cannabidiol

Patients participating in the 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial reported a 1.9-point reduction in pain on an 11-point scale, versus 0.6 points in placebo group. Those who continued treatment for six months reported an even greater reduction, up to 2.9 points, as well as improvements in sleep, physical function and overall quality of life.

The principal investigator, the Dr Matthias Karst, professor of pain medicine at Hannover Medical School, confirmed that the patients did not experience the «euphoric effects» usually associated with cannabis consumption.

Although VER-01 was generally well tolerated, some patients experienced dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache and a dry mouth. These side effects were generally temporary and diminished over time. Approximately 17% of participants discontinued the trial prematurely due to adverse effects, representing a lower dropout rate than is typically observed in opioid studies.

According to Karst, the results suggest that cannabis «can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low back pain, without the safety concerns usually associated with the use of cannabis. associated with opioids ».

Towards regulatory approval

Vertanical has already submitted a request for authorization of VER-01 to the european regulatory authorities. In the United States, the company works with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to design additional studies that could pave the way for eventual approval.

If approved, VER-01 could represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of chronic pain, by offering an alternative to over-the-counter opioids and painkillers, with fewer long-term risks.