Exploring the effects of cannabis on knee osteoarthritis symptoms

A Prospective Observational Study of the Relationship Between Cannabis Use, Biomarkers, Tissue Cannabinoid Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Osteoarthritis

Observational University Health Network, Toronto · NCT04971629

This study is testing whether using cannabis can help people with knee osteoarthritis feel better and what factors might influence its effectiveness.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1200 (estimated)
Ages25 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Health Network, Toronto Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT04971629 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between cannabis use and clinical outcomes in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). It aims to measure patient-level factors, such as biomarkers and metabolites, to understand their impact on the effectiveness of cannabis for managing OA symptoms. Additionally, tissue samples will be collected from a subset of cannabis users to assess cannabinoid penetration in knee tissues. The study seeks to provide insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis for OA patients and address the barriers to its use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 25 and older who have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and experience pain on most days.

Not a fit: Patients who have used cannabis recreationally without a medical purpose in the past three months or have undergone total joint arthroplasty within the last year may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable information on the efficacy of cannabis as a treatment option for managing knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been variable findings in studies of cannabis for other painful conditions, this specific approach to understanding its effects on knee osteoarthritis is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥25
2. Able to understand and read English
3. Diagnosed with knee OA or seeking treatment for knee related OA
4. Experienced pain in the knee on most days for at least 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Used cannabis recreationally, but not medically in the past 3 months.
2. Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) within a year of informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Osteo Arthritis Knee
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.