Cannabis pills could replace opioids for back pain, major trial launches
NCT ID NCT05052541
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing whether taking cannabis by mouth can safely reduce chronic back or neck pain and help people cut down on strong painkillers like opioids. About 157 adults with pain lasting at least 3 months will receive either cannabis or a placebo. The goal is to see if cannabis works as a non-addictive pain treatment and helps lower opioid doses.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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About 157 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jan 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jun 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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21 to 84 years
- 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.
Some inclusion/exclusion criteria are purposely omitted at this time to preserve scientific integrity. They will be included after the trial is complete. Inclusion Criteria: Self-reported chronic (≥3 months' duration), non-radicular spine pain Exclusion Criteria: Unwilling/unable to refrain from cannabis use (medical or recreational) for 14 days prior to Baseline Visit and throughout the study (other than study drug). This includes whole plant inhalation, edibles, extracts, and topicals. Co-morbid cancer-related pain condition Neuropathic Pain A co-morbid pain condition that is of greater severity than the patient's spine pain Spine or other major surgery within the 3 months prior to enrollment Planned surgery or procedural intervention during the study period Allergy or adverse reaction to cannabis Current or historical substance use disorder Current or historical alcohol use disorder Current or prior cannabis abuse/dependence Positive result for use of amphetamine/methamphetamine, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), ecstasy (MDMA), as detected on urine screen Current use of valproate, clobazam, clopidogrel, warfarin, barbiturates, benzodiazepines Prior adverse reaction to cannabis exposure (paranoia, anxiety, etc.) History or diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar or a psychotic disorder History of any mental health illness that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the participant Current or historical severe depression Current suicidal ideation Diagnosed cognitive impairment (e.g. Alzheimer's Disease, traumatic brain injury) Uncontrolled hypertension (\>139/89) Abnormal values on CBC (complete blood count) or CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) laboratory analysis that are deemed clinically significant by study physician Known hepatic disease or dysfunction, or identification of such on screening laboratory studies Known cardiovascular disease Abnormal result on electrocardiogram (ECG) that is deemed clinically significant by study MD Cognitive disability that interferes with ability to provide consent or understand study procedure History of seizure disorder Any medical condition for which immunosuppressive therapy is required. Inability to refrain from using tobacco for at least 4 hours Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the participant or the quality of the data Pending legal action or workers compensation Pregnant females or females intending to become pregnant during the study period Unwilling to use one of the accepted forms of contraception during the study period and for at least 60 days after completion of the study (females of childbearing potential and males with sexual partners of childbearing potential) Lactating females Analgesia Arm Exclusion Criteria: Unwilling/unable to discontinue current opioid use for 14 days prior to Baseline study visit and throughout the study Reduction Arm Exclusion Criteria: Not interested in reducing or discontinuing use of prescribed opioids for chronic pain Unwilling to allow the study team to communicate with the participant's opioid prescribing provider \*Some inclusion/exclusion criteria are purposely omitted at this time to preserve scientific integrity. They will be included after the trial is complete.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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 study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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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
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
RECRUITINGAurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can yoga ease back pain when recovery looks unlikely?
- Can a 13-Minute eye exercise routine ease screen strain?
- Can a Screen-Guided neck workout retrain muscles to ease chronic pain?
- Can a Longer-Lasting nerve block cut opioid use after spine surgery?
- Which neck therapy works better? a Head-to-Head test
- Can diaphragm exercises ease stubborn neck pain?