Researchers tested VER-01, a cannabis-derived extract, on patients with persistent lower back pain. Patients reported meaningful pain reductions within months. Unlike smoking cannabis, VER-01 delivers precise doses without harmful combustion or intoxication. The extract aims to relieve chronic pain safely, avoiding addiction and serious side effects. Chronic lower back pain affects more than 619 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Traditional treatments remain limited: opioids carry high addiction risk, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen can damage the heart and stomach. Patients often endure recurring pain with few reliable options.
Clinical Trial Demonstrates Significant Pain Relief
The late-stage trial included 820 adults whose back pain persisted despite non-opioid treatment. Researchers split participants into two groups: half received VER-01, and half received a placebo. Participants recorded pain levels on a 0–10 scale. After three months, the VER-01 group reported a 1.9-point reduction in pain versus a 0.6-point reduction for the placebo group. Extending the trial six months, VER-01 patients saw an additional 1.1-point decline and improvements in sleep and mobility. Nature Medicine published the results, showing clinically meaningful benefits. Jan Vollert, a neuroscience lecturer at the University of Exeter, praised the findings but called for further studies to confirm efficacy.
Safety Profile and Unique Mechanism
Patients mainly experienced mild dizziness, nausea, and temporary sleepiness while taking VER-01. Researchers observed no abuse, dependency, or long-term harm. Each dose contains 2.5 milligrams of THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, alongside other plant-based compounds. Experts emphasize that VER-01 differs from smoking cannabis: the extract delivers controlled medicinal effects without producing a “high.” Vollert compared the difference to eating hazelnuts versus Nutella: similar origins, but entirely different experiences. Researchers plan additional trials comparing VER-01 with opioids to confirm its potential as a safe, effective alternative for managing chronic lower back pain.
