Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: October 9, 2025
An experimental medication derived from marijuana has proved promising in alleviating symptoms in patients dealing with back pain.
The 800-person study examined the effectiveness of a drug called Epidiolex, which is a new cannabis formula that contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana that gets the user high. Levels of THC in Epidiolex are very low, equivalent to that of a microdose compared to what is typically found in THC gummies sold around the US. Half of the study participants were given the THC-infused drug, while the other half were given a placebo drug for a total of 12 weeks. Pain scores were taken at the beginning and conclusion of the study.
At the end of the study, researchers uncovered that patients in the THC drug group reported that their pain level dropped by 1.9 points on average, while those in the placebo group reported a drop of less than one point.
“A number of patients experienced…30 percent or 50 percent reduction of pain,” said study co-author Dr. Winfriend Meissner, putting its effectiveness on par with other common treatments for back pain.
While there were no reports of dependence or withdrawals, study authors did note that some patients experienced side effects like dizziness, headache, fatigue and nausea led to about 17 percent of patients discontinuing the drug before the end of the 12-week study. The company has stated that driving is not recommended during the first few weeks when taking the drug.
This isn’t the first time that cannabis has been studied for medicinal purposes. Pharmaceutical-grade cannabis is already being used to treat or address symptoms of several different types of pain, and it has proven helpful in the management of multiple sclerosis. Here in Minnesota, medical marijuana is approved for a wide range of medical issues. You can see the full list here, but some of the most common conditions listed when applying for a medical marijuana license include:
- Chronic pain
- Intractable pain
- Glaucoma
- OCD
- PTSD
- Seizures
- Cancer
It’s wonderful that medical researchers are continuing their efforts to provide patients with new ways to manage their highly unique conditions, and we’ve helped a number of patients get the information they need to apply for medical marijuana in Minnesota based on their health needs. We always tell patients that they need to find a treatment that works for them, and while medical marijuana is unlikely to be a standalone cure for their needs, it can play a role in their comprehensive treatment plan.
Minnesota Back Pain Doctor
To learn more about the treatment options available if you’re looking to treat a back pain issue, or if you simply want to figure out what’s causing your spinal discomfort, we hope you’ll reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. For more information, give our team a call today at (651) 430-3800.
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