Pain Research: Innovative Strategies With Marijuana

Completed

Conditions studied: Chronic Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, Cannabis Use

In brief

This study tests the effects of cannabinoid levels in blood on pain relief, inflammation, and cognitive dysfunction in chronic pain patients who choose to use edible cannabis. Over a two-week period, participants use an edible product of their choice. Blood levels of 9-delta-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) will be measured before, during, and after the two-week exposure period to determine whether there are associations with pain, inflammation, sleep, physical activity, anxiety/depression, and cognitive dysfunction. After the two-week self-administration period, participants will be followed for six months to collect self-report data on cannabis use, pain levels, sleep quality, and mental health symptoms.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT03522324

Run by

University of Colorado, Boulder

People needed

268

Starts

2018-06-01

Expected to finish

2023-10-12

Last updated by the study team

2025-08-27

Who can join

Age: 21 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Intent to initiate use of marijuana to treat chronic pain
• At least one episode of lifetime marijuana use, but infrequent marijuana use for prior six months
• Self-reported non-specific chronic low back pain for at least three months
• Health eligibility approved by study physician
• At least mild to moderate pain intensity OR pain interferes with important life functions

You may not qualify if…

• Other drug use (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.) in the past 3 days and/or actively seeking or in treatment for any substance use disorder
• Use of marijuana to treat pain at any time in lives
• Current use of psychotropic medications (other than SSRIs and ADHD meds), or use of antivirals, steroids, or regular use of maximal doses of NSAIDS
• A daily tobacco user
• Are currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Acute illness (other than chronic pain) or any immune-related disease (e.g., HIV)

Where it is running

• Center for Innovation and Creativity — Boulder, Colorado, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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