Chronic Lower Back Pain? This Cannabis-Based Therapy Might Be The Game-Changer

Vertanical announced on Wednesday the results from two big Phase 3 studies of VER-01, a cannabis-based therapy for chronic lower back pain.

The research, published in Nature Medicine and Pain & Therapy, suggests VER-01 could change the way we treat back pain.

“These findings provide powerful evidence that VER-01 could transform how we care for patients with chronic lower back pain, if approved,” Charles E. Argoff, professor of neurology at Albany Medical College and Past President of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, said. “The results of the Phase 3 studies bring hope to millions living with chronic pain that, if approved, VER-01 could deliver effective pain relief while addressing key safety challenges of current therapies.”

The study, which included 820 patients, showed that VER-01 reduced pain more than a placebo, with results lasting for a full year. Patients also slept better and moved more comfortably, showing real improvements in daily life. Moreover, VER-01 didn’t cause dependence or withdrawal.

In the meantime, a second phase 3 study compared VER-01 with opioids in 384 patients. The results suggested VER-01 offered stronger pain relief and fewer digestive side effects. People taking it were four times less likely to get constipated than those receiving opioids.

“The two Phase 3 studies show that VER-01 could be a transformative therapy,” Roger Knaggs, professor of pain management and president of the British Pain Society, said. “Patients and physicians have long sought novel treatments for chronic pain. If approved, VER-01 could represent the first new class of chronic pain medicine for a very long time.”

Vertanical has submitted VER-01 for approval in several European countries, and a U.S. trial is set to start in early 2026.