Chronic Pain: New Zealand Is Testing Cannabis to Improve Sleep

New Zealand will launch a clinical trial to evaluate the effects of medical cannabis on sleep people with chronic back pain.

Conducted by researchers from the’University of Auckland, with the support of a local producer Helius Therapeutics, this study aims to provide new scientific data on the long-term effectiveness of cannabis-based treatments, which has not yet been sufficiently documented.

Named «Cannabis, Pain, Sleep (CPS) Trial», this seven-month Phase 2 clinical trial is expected to begin in December 2026. Initial results are expected in early 2028.

A Phase 2 trial targeting chronic pain and sleep disorders

This Phase 2 clinical trial will bring together researchers from Tauranga Hospital, the University of Otago, and the University of Auckland. Designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, it will evaluate whether a cannabis-derived medication can provide a lasting improvement in sleep quality for patients with chronic back pain.

The trial plans to recruit 20 participants who are at least 25 years old, who suffers from chronic back pain and severe insomnia. The treatment used will be the oil Helius THC10 Full Spectrum, containing 10 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBD per milliliter in an MCT oil base. Taken orally about one hour before bedtime, the initial dose will be set at 0.2 ml (2 mg of THC and 2 mg of CBD), then gradually increased by 0.2 ml per day, up to a maximum of 1 ml per night (10 mg of THC and 10 mg of CBD), depending on the effects experienced and the patients' tolerance.

Each participant will receive, in turn, the active treatment and a placebo (MCT oil) for 84 days each, in random order, with a two-week treatment-free period between the two phases. Their sleep will be monitored using an actigraphy wristband, while questionnaires will be used to assess changes in insomnia and pain. Regular medical follow-up will also be conducted to monitor for any potential side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea.

More than one in five New Zealand adults suffers from chronic non-cancer-related pain, while international studies suggest that approximately 75% of these patients also suffer from sleep disorders.

Filling the Gap in Long-Term Data on Medical Cannabis

Despite patients' growing interest in medical cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain and insomnia, there remains limited robust clinical data supporting its long-term effectiveness. Dr. Saad Anis, a specialist in pain medicine and anesthesia at Tauranga Hospital and the study’s principal investigator, highlighted the challenges clinicians face when considering cannabis-based treatments.

«Many people want to try cannabis-derived medications, but I find it difficult to recommend them given the current state of the evidence.»

The researchers hope that their findings will help doctors distinguish measurable therapeutic benefits from anecdotal experiences. The trial has been approved by New Zealand’s health and disability ethics committees and is funded by the University of Auckland and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anesthetists.

Helius Therapeutics and Ora Pharm

Helius Therapeutics will supply both the experimental drug and the placebo following its acquisition by Ora Pharm in June 2026. This transaction brought together manufacturing facilities, regulatory approvals, and distribution networks, thereby establishing a national supply chain integrated with ambitions for international exports.

According to Zoë Reece, CEO of Ora Pharm, clinical research could help broaden acceptance of cannabis-derived medications among healthcare professionals.

«The Medical cannabis in New Zealand is booming, », but data from clinical trials are still needed to build confidence in cannabis-based medications within general practice,” said Ms. Reece.

Currently, prescriptions remain heavily concentrated in clinics specializing in cannabis rather than in conventional primary care settings. Nevertheless, demand has grown significantly since New Zealand implemented its medical cannabis program in April 2020.

The annual number of medical cannabis prescriptions has risen from From 4,875 in 2020 to 389,668 in 2025.