Can cannabis compounds ease arthritic knees? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT04992624

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Steven E Harte, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether daily doses of THC, CBD, or both can reduce pain and improve symptoms in people with knee osteoarthritis. About 200 participants will take one of the study drugs or a placebo for 16 weeks, with regular pain assessments, blood tests, and brain scans. The goal is to see how these cannabinoids affect both the brain's pain networks and inflammation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), taken as capsules
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new pain-relief option for people with knee osteoarthritis, possibly reducing reliance on standard painkillers.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-stage trial with 200 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Side effects from THC or CBD are possible, and the study may not show clear pain relief.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS, KNEE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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