Researchers tested VER-01, a cannabis extract, on 820 adults with chronic lower back pain.
Patients taking VER-01 reported notable pain reductions, improved sleep, and better physical function over several months.
Trial participants who received the extract experienced a 1.9-point drop in pain scores after three months of treatment.
Those on placebo showed only a 0.6-point decline, confirming the extract’s stronger effect.
In a six-month extension, VER-01 users reported further pain reduction, showing sustained benefits.
Safer Option Compared With Current Treatments
Existing therapies often fail to relieve chronic pain or carry major risks.
Opioids create high addiction potential, while NSAIDs can damage the heart and digestive system over time.
VER-01 produced only mild side effects, including temporary dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness.
Researchers observed no evidence of dependency, making the extract a safer alternative.
Scientists plan further studies to compare VER-01 directly with opioid treatments.
Extract Differs From Recreational Cannabis
VER-01 comes from a strain of Cannabis sativa and contains 2.5 milligrams of THC per dose.
Experts stressed the extract differs fundamentally from smoking marijuana.
Jan Vollert explained that people should not self-medicate with cannabis for chronic pain.
He compared the difference to eating hazelnuts versus eating Nutella—similar roots but distinct results.
Researchers believe VER-01 could mark a major step toward safer chronic pain relief worldwide.
