Back pain is a problem that bothers many people. Thinking of a long-term solution, a new phase 3 study has shown that a standardized extract of cannabis sativa (VER-01) was able to significantly reduce the intensity of chronic low back pain, with effects sustained over time and an acceptable safety profile, according to the researchers.

Proven efficacy and sustained effects

In the trial, 820 patients participated, with 394 treated with VER-01 and 426 with placebo. In the initial phase (12 weeks), the VER-01 group showed an average decrease of -1.9 points on the pain scale, while the average difference compared to placebo was -0.6 points. The analgesic effects continued in the study extension phases, with progressive pain improvement even after an additional six months.

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In patients with a neuropathic component of pain, the benefit was even more pronounced: the reduction was -1.5 points compared to placebo.

Safety and tolerance

Although the VER-01 group had a higher incidence of adverse events (83.3% vs. 67.3% in the placebo group), most effects were mild to moderate and temporary, with no signs of dependence or withdrawal.

The authors acknowledged limitations such as the lack of direct comparison with opioids and the absence of a formal assessment of patients' cognitive function. They also noted that there was no systematic record of previous cannabis use, which could influence the results.