New Study Finds Marijuana-Based Medication Effective in Reducing Chronic Back Pain
A recent clinical trial conducted by German drugmaker Vertanical has shown that an experimental medication derived from marijuana can significantly alleviate back pain in patients. The study, which involved 800 participants, provides further evidence of the therapeutic potential of cannabis in treating chronic pain, a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Despite the growing recognition of cannabis’s medicinal properties, it remains illegal under federal law in the United States. However, many states have legalized its use for medical or recreational purposes. The study’s findings are consistent with previous research in Canada and Europe, where pharmaceutical-grade cannabis has been approved for treating various types of pain, including nerve pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
The new medication, which contains a low level of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, was tested on patients with chronic back pain. Unlike other cannabis-based products available in the US, which can contain high levels of THC, this medication is designed to provide a microdose of the active ingredient. The study found that patients who received the medication experienced significant reductions in pain without showing any signs of drug abuse, dependence, or withdrawal.
While patients were advised not to drive during the initial weeks of treatment, the decision to drive was ultimately left to individual patients. The study’s results offer promising insights into the potential of marijuana-based medications for treating chronic pain, a condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. As research continues to uncover the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, it is likely that we will see more medications like this one become available in the future.
