An extract taken from the hashish plant has been discovered to scale back persistent low again ache with out risking habit, in line with a examine.
Researchers stated the outcomes may very well be the “first non-addictive and clinically proven chronic pain treatment” based mostly on the hashish plant.
The findings may result in a “promising” medical technique to assist individuals handle their ache with none related dangers with habit.
“Given the high prevalence of chronic low back pain and the global scale of the opioid crisis, these findings highlight a promising, non-addictive pain-management strategy for clinical use,” researchers stated.
The trial, revealed within the Nature Medication journal, concerned greater than 800 individuals.
The hashish extract VER-01 was discovered to scale back ache “without serious side effects or signs of addiction”, scientists stated.
Individuals who endure with decrease again ache at the moment “remain limited” to anti-inflammatory medicine which researchers stated can result in long-term cardiovascular and gastrointestinal dangers.
Different choices embody opioids, that are extremely addictive and might trigger “severe side effects”.
Scientists at a medical college in Hanover, Germany, stated 820 adults participating within the trial had 12 weeks of remedy.
Contributors reported a discount of their ache ranges – after which an “additional decrease” in signs throughout a six-month extension to the examine.
Researchers stated: “VER-01 was relatively well tolerated, with the most common adverse events being short-term dizziness, excessive sleepiness and nausea during the early treatment phase.”
They stated there have been no indicators of “dose escalation, abuse, dependence or withdrawal symptoms”.
“The findings highlight the ability of VER-01 to relieve pain without the addiction risks and harmful consequences often associated with opioids” the scientists added.
