Cannabis Extracts May Provide Greater Short-Term and Long-Term Relief from Chronic Lower Back Pain than Opioids

Can Cannabis Extracts Provide Relief for Chronic Lower Back Pain Sufferers?

A recent clinical trial published in the journal, Pain and Therapy, sought to investigate whether plant-derived cannabis extracts could offer more positive relief than opioids for medical patients that experience chronic lower back pain (1). According to the study, more than half a billion people globally suffer from this health condition (2). The current treatments for chronic lower back pain may include opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments come with their own risks, as well as limited efficacy (2).

German researchers distinguished between “the safety and efficacy of a proprietary cannabis extract (VER-01) containing 2.5 mg of THC and standardized percentages of cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) to commercially available opioids in a cohort of 392 older adults with intractable lower back pain. Study participants were randomly designated to use either opioids or cannabis extracts for six months,” (1). Once the data was analyzed, investigators saw that patients who had consumed cannabis extracts, reported both greater short-term and long-term pain relief. It was also additionally reported that quality in sleep had vastly improved. On an 11-point numeric rating scale, the group of participants who received the cannabis extract expressed a mean pain reduction of 2.33 points. When compared to the group that received opioids, it was reported that those participants experienced a 1.89 point reduction (1). One reported side effect from the opioid group was that those participants had an increased risk of developing constipation compared to the cannabis extract group. Individuals who were given cannabis extracts also did not experience withdrawal symptoms once the study concluded.

The study explained how (2), “As a full-spectrum cannabis extract, VER-01 contains a complex mixture of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other bioactive compounds, such as cannabigerol, β-caryophyllene, and α-bisabolol, that contribute to its overall pharmacological effects. Cannabigerol has been shown to exert anti-nociceptive effects, particularly in models of neuropathic pain, while β-caryophyllene and α-bisabolol possess anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB. Consequently, the results of this trial cannot be extrapolated to other cannabis-based products, including different cannabis extracts, isolated cannabinoids (such as THC or cannabidiol), or synthetic cannabinoids (such as nabilone).”

“One notable strength of our study is its reflection of everyday clinical practice with opioids, which underscores the robustness of our findings. In particular, participants randomized to opioids had the flexibility to modify their assigned dose or switch to the opioid that best suited their individual needs, mirroring real-world treatment,” the study mentioned (2). “Yet despite the possibility to optimize opioid choice and dosage, VER-01 showed significant benefits both in efficacy and tolerability, affirming its value in enhancing patient outcomes in typical clinical settings.”

“In summary, this study provides robust evidence that VER-01 [plant-derived cannabis extracts] offers better tolerability, as well as superior pain relief and sleep quality compared to opioids in patients with CLBP [chronic low back pain],” the study’s authors concluded (1,2). “These findings position VER-01 as a promising, non-addictive, well-tolerated, and effective alternative, particularly for long-term use, [and they] … highlight its potential as a promising new pharmacological option within a multimodal treatment “These results affirm the longstanding experiences of patients, many of whom either reduce or eliminate their use of opioids after initiating cannabis therapy because they perceive cannabis to be a safer and more effective alternative,” said NORML’s Deputy Director (1).

References

1. Norml. Cannabis extract superior to opioids for chronic back pain https://norml.org/blog/2025/10/03/clinical-trial-cannabis-extract-demonstrates-superiority-over-opioids-in-patients-with-chronic-back-pain/ (accessed Oct 7, 2025).
2. Meissner, W., Argoff, C., Sator, S. et al. VER-01 Shows Enhanced Gastrointestinal Tolerability, Superior Pain Relief, and Improved Sleep Quality Compared to Opioids in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Phase 3 Clinical Trial. Pain Ther (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-025-00773-z