Can a Cannabis-Derived drug soothe sickle cell pain? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT05519111
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether dronabinol, a drug made from cannabis, can reduce chronic pain and inflammation in adults with sickle cell disease. About 60 participants will receive either dronabinol or a placebo to see if it improves pain and quality of life. The goal is to find a new way to manage symptoms, not to cure the disease.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
* Age \>18 years * Clinical diagnosis of SCD (HbSS, HbSC, HbSβ+; Thal, HbSβ0Thal, HbS variants) * Baseline score of 60 or lower on the ASCQ-Me 7-day pain interference domain * If on a SCD modifying therapy (hydroxyurea, regular blood transfusions, L-glutamine, voxelotor, crizanlizumab), on stable dose for at least 3 months * If using opioids for pain at home, on stable dose for at least 3 months * One urine toxicology negative for cannabinoids within 30 days of randomization * No known intolerance to dronabinol, or marijuana * No history of psychotic episode, psychosis, or active suicidality * No contraindication to dronabinol with attention to potential side effects, concurrent medications/substances, and concurrent medical problems, as evaluated by a physician * Willing to abstain from cannabis, medical and illicit, during study weeks 1 through 8 * Not pregnant or nursing * If a woman capable of becoming pregnant, willing to use a medically accepted form of birth control for the duration of study participation. Accepted forms include oral contraception, medroxyprogesterone, contraceptive implants or patch, surgical sterilization, total abstinence. * Able to consent for research * No daily cannabis use * No diagnosis of active substance use disorder
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mount Sinai Hospital
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10029, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can adding common pain drugs reduce morphine needs in sickle cell crises?
- Gene editing offers hope for a One-Time sickle cell cure
- Tiny biochip could reveal sickle cell severity
- Can a milder transplant cure sickle cell and thalassemia in adults?
- Can an antioxidant supplement calm sickle cell blood cells?
- Can a softer transplant cure sickle cell disease?