A new clinical trial has found that VER-01, a cannabis-derived medication, reduces chronic lower back pain while avoiding the addictive risks commonly seen with opioids. The findings, published in Nature Medicine (DOI: 10.1038/s41591-025-03977-0), represent one of the strongest pieces of evidence to date for medical cannabis as a viable treatment option.
The study arrives at a time when chronic pain patients face limited and often problematic choices. Current options largely revolve around opioids, which pose serious risks of dependency, overdose, and long-term harm. For millions of patients, particularly those living with nerve-related back pain, a safer option has been urgently needed.
The Clinical Trial Results
Researchers recruited 820 participants living with chronic lower back pain. They were randomly assigned to receive either VER-01 or a placebo for a period of 12 weeks. By the end of the trial, participants taking VER-01 reported an average pain reduction of 1.9 points on a standard 0–10 pain scale, compared to a 1.4-point reduction in the placebo group.
Though the difference may appear modest, experts stress that large reductions in chronic pain are rare in clinical research. Even small decreases in pain can have significant impacts on patients’ quality of life, particularly when coupled with improvements in sleep and mobility. According to the study, those taking VER-01 experienced notable improvements in sleep quality, daily physical function, and overall well-being.
Patients gradually increased their daily doses during the trial, with some taking up to 13 doses per day. Importantly, no evidence emerged of withdrawal, abuse potential, or dependency. Most side effects reported were mild, including dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and nausea.
Why VER-01 Stands Out
VER-01 contains a carefully controlled 5 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Unlike unregulated cannabis products—where THC levels can vary widely and pose risks—VER-01 offers a standardized formulation backed by rigorous testing.
Professor Winfried Meissner of Jena University Hospital, a co-researcher on the study, emphasized the importance of its design. “It’s one of the first really high-quality studies for medical cannabis which many people, both researchers and patients, have been waiting for. So far, evidence has been poor, with past studies involving fewer patients and weaker design,” he said.
The trial’s randomized, placebo-controlled format provides the strongest form of clinical evidence, strengthening the case for VER-01 as a safe, effective alternative to traditional painkillers.
The Broader Context of Chronic Pain Treatment
Chronic lower back pain is among the most common health conditions globally, affecting an estimated 619 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It is a leading cause of disability, lost productivity, and diminished quality of life. Standard treatments include physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids, yet many patients continue to suffer with limited relief.
Opioid medications, in particular, present a dilemma. While effective in reducing severe pain, they carry high risks of tolerance, dependence, and misuse. The opioid crisis in the United States and other countries underscores the devastating consequences of over-reliance on these drugs. In this context, a non-addictive cannabis-derived option could prove transformative.
Dr. Marta Di Forti of King’s College London, who was not involved in the study, underscored the significance of the findings. “The fact people can sleep better, which is a secondary outcome of the study, will have an immense impact on their ability to function. When you look at chronic pain you don’t expect giant effects, but even moderate improvements can make life more livable,” she explained.
Neuropathic Pain: A Key Target
The study found that VER-01 was particularly effective in patients with neuropathic pain, a form of chronic discomfort caused by nerve damage. Neuropathic pain is often resistant to conventional treatments and is associated with sharp, burning sensations that severely affect quality of life.
Patients with this condition often rely heavily on opioids or resort to self-medicating with unregulated cannabis, exposing themselves to inconsistent dosages and heightened risks. By offering a clinically validated, standardized cannabis-based treatment, VER-01 could become an important therapeutic tool for this hard-to-treat group.
Potential Policy and Healthcare Implications
The success of this trial could accelerate regulatory approval for cannabis-based medicines, which have often faced political and social hurdles despite widespread patient interest. In countries where medical cannabis is legal, access is often inconsistent and heavily restricted. A rigorously tested product like VER-01 could pave the way for broader integration into mainstream healthcare systems.
Di Forti noted that she frequently encounters patients who resort to buying cannabis from unregulated dealers to ease their pain. “There is huge variability in THC levels in cannabis joints, and patients can end up smoking all day, which heightens risks. Having a prescribed, clinically tested option removes that danger,” she said.
Health policymakers may also see VER-01 as a way to reduce reliance on opioids, thereby addressing one of the leading public health crises of recent decades. While not a cure-all, a safer alternative could help relieve pressure on healthcare systems burdened by opioid addiction and overdose cases.
The Future of Cannabis-Based Medicine
Medical cannabis has long been surrounded by hype, with claims that it can treat a wide range of conditions. However, scientific evidence has often lagged behind popular enthusiasm. Many previous studies on cannabis and pain were limited in scope, lacked proper controls, or produced inconsistent results. This new trial sets a higher standard by combining large sample size, rigorous design, and careful monitoring.
Still, experts caution against overstating the results. While the trial showed meaningful benefits, pain reduction was moderate and not a complete solution. As Meissner highlighted, chronic pain treatment should always begin with physical therapy and non-pharmacological approaches. Medications, whether opioid-based or cannabis-derived, should be seen as tools that support mobility and enable patients to engage in rehabilitation.
Future research will need to test VER-01 against other forms of chronic pain, explore long-term effects beyond 12 weeks, and compare its effectiveness directly with opioids. If results remain consistent, cannabis-derived therapies may become a standard option in pain management clinics worldwide.
A Measured Step Forward
The findings of this trial represent cautious optimism rather than a silver bullet. Patients and doctors have long sought alternatives to opioids, and VER-01 offers a promising new pathway. With improved sleep, modest pain relief, and no evidence of addiction risks, the drug could be an important addition to the chronic pain treatment toolbox.
In the words of Di Forti, “In a world where there are claims of cannabis treating everything, at least here we have a randomized control trial testing it. The fact it works for pain is wonderful news in my view.”
For patients who struggle daily with chronic lower back pain, the emergence of VER-01 is more than just a data point—it is a potential lifeline. And for the broader healthcare community, it is a sign that carefully developed cannabis-based medicines may finally begin to deliver on their promise.
