October 2, 2025 | Sarah Clark
A recent clinical trial has delivered evidence for a new cannabis-based treatment in significantly reducing chronic low back pain.
The study, detailed in a research paper published in the journal Nature, highlights the efficacy and favourable safety profile of a cannabis-based therapy designated as “VER-01,” positioning it as a potential non-addictive alternative to current pharmacological options like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, which often come with substantial risks and limited long-term suitability.
Each dose unit (119 µl) of the finished product VER-01 is composed of 2.5 mg THC, 0.1 mg cannabigerol and 0.02 mg cannabidiol. The sesame-based oil also contains a complex, well-characterized mixture of terpenes, flavonoids, carotenes, phytosterols and other bioactive compounds.
To simulate VER-01’s appearance and sensory qualities, the placebo also used sesame oil, along with a cannabis aroma and colourants.
The study assessed the proportion of participants achieving at least 30% and 50% pain reduction across all phases. These thresholds are widely recognized as clinically significant outcomes.
Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) affects over half a billion people globally, profoundly impacting quality of life, work productivity, and contributing to disability. Existing treatments, while offering some relief, are plagued by side effects and concerns about dependence.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended for long-term use due to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks, while opioids carry a high risk of addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal, contributing to the global opioid crisis. This unmet medical need underscores the need for new, safer therapeutic options.
The trial, a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled study, enrolled 820 adults with CLBP. Participants were divided into two groups: VER-01 and placebo. They underwent a 12-week double-blind treatment phase, followed by open-label extensions. The primary endpoint of Phase A was a change in mean numeric rating scale (NRS) pain intensity.
Results from Phase A showed a significant reduction in pain in the VER-01 group. People on VER-01 saw their pain drop by an average of 1.9 points on the NRS scale, while those on the placebo only saw a 1.4-point drop.
VER-01 also helped with those neuropathic symptoms, improved sleep, and even boosted physical function. For folks with neuropathic pain, VER-01 users saw their Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) total score go down by a solid 14.4 points, compared to just 7.2 points for the placebo group.
Beyond short-term efficacy, the study also explored the long-term benefits of VER-01. Pain continued to decrease in Phase B (a 6-month open-label extension), reaching -2.9 NRS points, and these effects were sustained through Phase C (an additional 6-month continuation phase). This suggests that VER-01 offers durable relief without signs of diminishing efficacy or the need for dose escalation over time.
The study’s findings are particularly relevant as they address a critical gap in clinical research for cannabis-based pharmacotherapy in chronic pain, providing robust evidence for a chemically well-defined, full-spectrum cannabis extract.
While the study acknowledges limitations, such as not directly comparing VER-01 with opioids (a follow-up study is underway), the results strongly suggest that VER-01 could be a valuable addition to modern pain management strategies, offering a safe and effective option for individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain.
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