New Study Shows Marijuana-Based Medication Effective in Treating Chronic Back Pain
A recent clinical trial conducted by German pharmaceutical company Vertanical has yielded promising results, demonstrating the potential of a marijuana-based medication in reducing back pain in patients. The study, which involved 800 participants, found that the experimental drug successfully alleviated chronic back pain, providing further evidence of the therapeutic properties of cannabis.
Despite the drug’s potential, cannabis remains illegal under federal law in the United States, despite its legalization for medical or recreational use in most states. However, health officials in Canada and Europe have already approved pharmaceutical-grade cannabis for various types of pain, including nerve pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
The new medication, which contains THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, is designed to provide a low-level dose of the substance, essentially a “microdose” compared to what is typically found in recreational products. According to Vertanical, patients in the trial did not exhibit signs of drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal.
While the company advises against driving during the initial weeks of treatment, patients are ultimately responsible for making their own decisions about whether to operate a vehicle. The study’s findings offer a glimmer of hope for those suffering from chronic back pain, and may pave the way for further research into the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis.
