Many turn to painkillers that may ease the pain but often lead to side effects or even dependence.
Now, a new study published in Nature Medicine suggests that a natural extract from the cannabis plant could offer a safer alternative.
Cannabis as medicine
Cannabis is known for its recreational use, but scientists have been exploring its potential as a medical treatment for years.
The plant contains hundreds of compounds, and researchers are now focusing on the ones that might help relieve pain without causing intoxication.
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One of the most promising compounds is cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis, CBD does not produce a high.
A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology have already shown it may help with conditions like epilepsy and anxiety.
But now, scientists are testing combinations of cannabis compounds to see if they can tackle chronic pain more effectively.
Back pain relief
The new study tested a cannabis extract called VER-01.
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This extract contained a mix of compounds, including THC, CBD, and cannabigerol (CBG), in carefully measured amounts.
After 12 weeks, participants who took VER-01 reported less pain, better sleep, and greater mobility compared with those who took a placebo.
On a standard pain scale, their pain dropped by an average of two points, a statistically significant improvement.
Importantly, even though the extract contained THC, the dosage was too low to make participants feel high.
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Those suffering from sciatica, a nerve-related form of back pain, experienced the most noticeable relief.
Unlike opioids, VER-01 did not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Side effects such as mild dizziness or dry mouth were reported but generally faded over time.
What comes next for cannabis-based medicine?
While the findings are encouraging, VER-01 is not yet available for public use.
The study was part of a Phase 3 clinical trial, the final step before a drug can seek approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Approval could still take months or even a year.
The company behind the extract, Vertanical, has already applied for registration in the European Union, where the drug may reach patients sooner.
Previous trials have shown that VER-01 might also help with other chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and diabetic neuropathy.
Although CBD products are already sold in many places, experts caution that not all are effective or well-regulated.
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More research is needed to confirm which combinations of cannabis compounds truly provide safe and lasting pain relief.
Sources: Health Digest, Nature Medicine, and Frontiers in Pharmacology.