Using cannabidiol to reduce opioid use after knee surgery

Cannabidiol for postoperative Opioid Reduction in primary total Knee arthroplasty – a randomized, 2x2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (The CORK trial)

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10930869

This study is looking at whether CBD can help manage pain after knee surgery instead of using opioids, and it's for people who are having total knee replacements and want to explore safer pain relief options.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10930869 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) as an alternative to opioids for managing pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study will involve a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either CBD or a placebo following their surgery. By comparing pain levels and opioid consumption between the two groups, the research aims to determine if CBD can effectively reduce the need for opioids and their associated side effects. This approach is particularly relevant given the high incidence of opioid-related complications in postoperative patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults scheduled for total knee arthroplasty who are seeking effective pain management solutions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing knee surgery or those with contraindications to CBD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer pain management option for patients undergoing knee surgery, potentially reducing reliance on opioids.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using cannabinoids for pain management, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although rigorous clinical trials specifically for postoperative pain management with CBD are limited.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.