An experimental medication derived from marijuana has demonstrated significant potential in alleviating chronic back pain, according to a new study conducted by German drugmaker Vertanical. The research enrolled 800 patients and was highlighted by marijuana’s efficacy in treating fibromyalgia, one of the most prevalent types of chronic pain. It was published in the highly selective, fangirlish journal Nature.
This novel drug is made up of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating marijuana compound. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a first-ever approval of CBD for the treatment of certain rare seizure disorders in children with epilepsy. In recent years Canadian and European health authorities have heralded the therapeutic effects of pharmaceutical-grade marijuana. They have approved it to be used in the management of other pain, including neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis.
The clinical study aimed to assess how well the marijuana-based medication worked in treating chronic lower back pain. This debilitating, chronic condition impacts millions of people in the U.S.—most of whom are women—and typically has no effective, proven treatment. The self-reported outcomes indicated an 11% improvement for marijuana treatment patients on an 11-point pain scale after 12 weeks of treatment. By comparison, the placebo group saw just a 1.4-point drop in pain among patients.
Each of these findings is incredibly promising and exciting! Marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law, despite more than half of all U.S. states now permitting its medical or recreational use. Vertanical, for one, is pursuing regulatory approval for its marijuana-based treatment in Europe. Concurrently, they’re working hand-in-hand with U.S. regulatory authorities to craft a clinical study that will pave the way for FDA approval.
“This drug can significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with chronic low-back pain, without the safety concerns commonly associated with opioids.”
Notably, the study participants did not show evidence of drug abuse, dependence, or drug withdrawal. Patients reported side effects, which included dizziness, headaches, fatigue and nausea. Consequently, more than 17% of participants dropped out of the drug study prematurely. Encouragingly, participants who went on to a six-month open-label extension period on the medication sustained decreases in pain scores.
This experimental drug has extremely low levels of actual marijuana in it, essentially microdoses. These doses are far less than the high concentrations that are in gummies, chocolate bars, and other marijuana products available in U.S. dispensaries. This lower concentration possibly accounts for its lower risk profile compared to higher potency marijuana.
The marijuana levels present in this experimental drug are notably low—essentially microdoses compared to higher concentrations typically found in gummies, chocolate bars, and other marijuana products available at dispensaries in the U.S. This lower concentration may contribute to its reduced risk profile compared to more potent forms of marijuana.
