Cannabis-based options for diabetic nerve pain in Veterans
Official title: Proof of Concept Trial of Cannabis Derivatives in Neuropathic Pain.
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11310852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether cannabis-derived medicines (THC, CBD, or combinations) can help reduce painful diabetic nerve damage in Veterans aged 21 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002378-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310852 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are Veterans aged 21 or older who have chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy and meet the study's medical and safety criteria.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetic neuropathy, those under 21, pregnant people, or individuals with medical or psychiatric conditions that make cannabinoid use unsafe are unlikely to benefit from participating.
What this research studies
You would be invited to join a four-arm clinical trial that compares different cannabis-derived treatments (for example THC, CBD, combinations, or placebo) over a set period. The study enrolls adult Veterans with chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy and tracks pain levels, side effects, mood, adherence, and biological markers. Visits will include regular check-ins, medication dispensing through VA research pharmacies, and safety monitoring. The goal is to weigh relief and risks to see which option might best help Veterans with this type of nerve pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify cannabis-based options that relieve diabetic nerve pain with fewer side effects and potentially reduce reliance on opioids for Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Prior clinical trials of cannabinoids for neuropathic pain have been small and produced mixed results, so clear benefits remain uncertain.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: D'souza, Deepak Cyril
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Testing cannabis derivatives for treating nerve pain in veterans.
This study is looking at how well cannabis products like THC and CBD can help veterans with chronic pain from diabetic nerve damage, aiming to find safer options than opioids for managing their discomfort.
-
Evaluating the effects of cannabis terpenes on neuropathic pain relief
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Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
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Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.