Testing cannabis derivatives for treating nerve pain in veterans.
Official title: Proof of Concept Trial of Cannabis Derivatives in Neuropathic Pain.
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11073072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002378-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 21 and older who suffer from chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of cannabis derivatives, specifically THC and CBD, in managing chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy (CDNP) pain among veterans. The study aims to assess both the benefits and risks associated with these treatments, addressing the need for safer alternatives to opioids. By collaborating with experts in cannabis research and chronic pain management, the research seeks to improve treatment adherence and outcomes for veterans suffering from this debilitating condition. Participants will be monitored for pain relief and any adverse effects during the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide veterans with a safer and more effective option for managing chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research on the use of cannabis for pain management, this study represents a significant effort to explore its potential benefits specifically for veterans, making it a novel approach.
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.
-
Cannabis-based options for diabetic nerve pain in Veterans
This project tests whether cannabis-derived medicines (THC, CBD, or combinations) can help reduce painful diabetic nerve damage in Veterans aged 21 and older.
-
Evaluating the effects of cannabis terpenes on neuropathic pain relief
This study is looking at how certain natural compounds in cannabis, called terpenes, might help relieve nerve pain that doesn't respond well to regular pain medications, with the hope of finding a safer option for managing pain.
-
Peripheral nerve stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain in a new mechanistic trial
A study at Stanford tests whether a painless-sounding electrical nerve treatment helps people with long-standing neuropathic pain when added to standard care.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
-
Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals
This project studies how taking cannabis repeatedly, with different THC and CBD amounts, changes pain experiences, potential for abuse, and levels of body chemicals related to the endocannabinoid system in adults.
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.