Major Trial: Cannabis Extract Reduces Chronic Low Back Pain
What Researchers Found About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
The Study at a Glance
Published
Nature Medicine, 2025
Researchers
Multiple institutions (International)
Study Type
Randomized Controlled TrialParticipants
820 patients · 12 weeks double-blind + 6-month open-label extension
Key Finding
VER-01 (full-spectrum cannabis extract) shows potential as a new, safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain.
Key Finding: VER-01 (full-spectrum cannabis extract) shows potential as a new, safe and effective treatment for chronic low back pain.
What Researchers Studied About Chronic Pain and Cannabis
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) affects over half a billion people worldwide. Current treatments offer limited efficacy and carry substantial risks.
This was a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of VER-01, a full-spectrum cannabis extract from Cannabis sativa DKJ127.
820 adults with CLBP were enrolled: 394 received VER-01 and 426 received placebo.
How This Randomized Controlled Trial Was Conducted
The trial had multiple phases: - Phase A: Double-blind 12-week treatment - Phase B: 6-month open-label extension - Phase C: 6-month continuation, or - Phase D: Randomized withdrawal
The primary endpoint was change in mean numeric rating scale (NRS) pain intensity.
A key secondary endpoint was change in total neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) score in participants with a neuropathic pain component (PainDETECT score > 18).
Chronic Pain Treatment Results
The Main Results:
- 1PRIMARY ENDPOINT MET: Mean pain reduction -1.9 NRS points with VER-01
- 2Mean difference vs placebo: -0.6 points (95% CI -0.9 to -0.3; P < 0.001)
- 3Phase B (6 months): Pain further decreased to -2.9 NRS points
- 4Phase C: Effects sustained through continuation
- 5KEY SECONDARY MET: NPSI decreased -14.4 points (MD vs placebo -7.3; P = 0.017)
- 6Withdrawal phase: Pain increased more with placebo (P = 0.034)
- 7Adverse events higher with VER-01 (83.3% vs 67.3%; P < 0.001), mostly mild/moderate
- 8No signs of dependence or withdrawal
By the Numbers
| Statistic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 820 patients | Adults with chronic low back pain enrolled in this Phase 3 trial |
| P < 0.001 | Statistical significance of primary endpoint (pain reduction vs placebo) |
| -1.9 points | Mean pain reduction on 0-10 scale with VER-01 treatment |
| 83.3% | Adverse event rate with VER-01 (vs 67.3% placebo), mostly mild to moderate |
Adults with chronic low back pain enrolled in this Phase 3 trial
Statistical significance of primary endpoint (pain reduction vs placebo)
Mean pain reduction on 0-10 scale with VER-01 treatment
Adverse event rate with VER-01 (vs 67.3% placebo), mostly mild to moderate
What This Means for Chronic Pain Patients
This is a landmark Phase 3 trial showing a full-spectrum cannabis extract can effectively reduce chronic low back pain.
The study met its primary endpoint: patients on VER-01 had significantly greater pain reduction than placebo (P < 0.001). Pain continued to improve over the 6-month extension phase.
For patients with neuropathic pain components, the benefit was even more pronounced (P = 0.017).
Importantly, there were no signs of dependence or withdrawal, though adverse events were more common with VER-01 (83.3% vs 67.3%). Most side effects were mild to moderate and transient.
This is one of the largest and most rigorous cannabis trials for chronic pain, published in Nature Medicine. It suggests full-spectrum cannabis extract could become an approved treatment option for chronic low back pain.
Quick Answers: Chronic Pain and Cannabis
Direct answers based on the findings of this study:
Research Summary: Answers are based on published peer-reviewed studies and represent research findings, not medical recommendations. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
Does marijuana help with lower back pain?
Yes. A 2025 Nature Medicine Phase 3 trial of 820 patients found full-spectrum cannabis extract significantly reduced chronic low back pain (P < 0.001). Pain scores dropped 1.9 points and continued improving over 6 months. No dependence was observed.
Source: Karst et al., Nature Medicine, 2025 (PMID: 41023483)
Is cannabis safe for chronic pain?
Mostly mild side effects, no dependence. Cannabis had more adverse events than placebo (83.3% vs 67.3%) but most were mild/moderate and transient. There were no signs of dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
Source: Karst et al., Nature Medicine, 2025 (PMID: 41023483)
What is the best evidence for cannabis treating back pain?
Strongest evidence from 2025 Phase 3 trial. 820 patients showed full-spectrum cannabis extract met its primary endpoint (P < 0.001) and key secondary endpoint for neuropathic pain (P = 0.017). Effects were sustained over 6 months.
Source: Karst et al., Nature Medicine, 2025 (PMID: 41023483)
This is educational content, not medical advice
The research summarized here is for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and what works in studies may not work the same way for everyone. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your treatment plan or starting medical cannabis therapy.
Important Limitations
This study has some caveats to keep in mind when interpreting the results:
- Adverse events more common with active treatment (83.3% vs 67.3%)
- Withdrawal phase did not meet its primary endpoint
- Pain reduction was statistically significant but clinically modest (-0.6 points difference)
- Long-term effects beyond 12 months not studied
- Specific to this formulation (VER-01)
The Bottom Line on Cannabis for Chronic Pain
This landmark Nature Medicine Phase 3 trial of 820 patients found full-spectrum cannabis extract (VER-01) significantly reduces chronic low back pain (P < 0.001). Pain reduction was -1.9 points on a 0-10 scale, continuing to improve over 6 months. No dependence or withdrawal was observed. Adverse events were higher (83.3% vs 67.3%) but mostly mild. This is strong evidence supporting cannabis for chronic low back pain.
Do You Qualify for Medical Marijuana?
If you're living with Chronic Pain, you may qualify for a medical marijuana card. Our licensed physicians can evaluate you from home via telehealth.
Related Research & Resources
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Source
Karst M, Meissner W, Sator S, et al. "Full-spectrum extract from Cannabis sativa DKJ127 for chronic low back pain: a phase III randomised placebo-controlled trial" Nature Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03977-0
Important Information
Not Medical Advice: This research summary is for educational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment.
Individual Variation: Research findings represent group averages. Your individual response to cannabis may differ based on genetics, other medications, underlying conditions, and many other factors.
Last reviewed: January 25, 2026
Important Notices
Research Summary Disclaimer
This content represents our interpretation of published scientific research for educational purposes. It should not be used to make treatment decisions without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Individual results may vary from study findings.
FDA Notice
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not approved cannabis for any medical condition except specific prescription medications.
Copyright & Fair Use
Research summaries are provided under fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107) for educational purposes. We provide brief summaries with attribution, not full reproductions. All studies remain the intellectual property of their respective authors and publishers.
Data Sources
Study information sourced from PubMed®, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by NLM, NIH, or the federal government.
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FAQs: Cannabis for Chronic Pain
Does cannabis help chronic low back pain?
Yes, according to this Phase 3 trial of 820 patients. Full-spectrum cannabis extract (VER-01) significantly reduced pain compared to placebo (P < 0.001). Pain continued improving over 6 months with no signs of dependence.
What are the side effects of cannabis for back pain?
Mostly mild side effects. 83.3% of cannabis users had adverse events vs 67.3% on placebo, but most were mild to moderate and transient. There were no signs of dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
How effective is cannabis for chronic pain?
1.9 points on 0-10 scale (vs 1.3 placebo). In this 820-patient trial, cannabis extract showed statistically significant benefit (P < 0.001) and effects continued improving over 6 months.