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Cannabis as Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Topic: Living With Chronic Pain

Chronic lower back pain affects millions of people worldwide and remains one of the most common causes of disability, yet safe and effective treatments are still limited. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlights promising new research showing that cannabis, particularly THC-based extracts, may offer meaningful relief for people living with this condition.

View the Research & Study

Quick Study Highlights


• Clinical evidence supports cannabis for chronic lower back pain: Large Phase 3 trials found that THC-based cannabis extracts significantly reduced pain, improved sleep, and enhanced physical function compared to placebo.

• Cannabis performed similarly to opioids with fewer side effects: In comparative studies, cannabis provided pain relief on par with opioid medications while avoiding common opioid-related issues like constipation and dependence.

• A promising, safer alternative for long-term pain management: Researchers and clinicians suggest medical cannabis may help patients manage chronic back pain and potentially reduce reliance on opioids, especially when used responsibly under medical guidance.

Full Study Summary

Two large, Phase 3 clinical trials investigated a standardized cannabis extract containing THC along with other cannabinoids and found that it reduced pain more effectively than a placebo. In one study with more than 800 participants, those taking the cannabis extract reported significant decreases in pain levels after 12 weeks – as well as improvements in sleep quality and physical function. Notably, these benefits continued for up to a year, and patients did not experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping the treatment.

A second trial compared the cannabis extract with opioid pain medications. The findings showed that cannabis was at least as effective, while producing fewer side effects such as constipation, which are common with opioids.

Experts quoted in the article suggest that these results may make healthcare providers more comfortable recommending medical cannabis off-label for chronic back pain and encourage individuals to explore cannabis products legally available in their regions – starting with low THC doses and gradual increases to find what works best.

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