Using cannabis extract to relieve acute radicular pain and reduce painkiller needs
Effect of Cannabis Extract on Acute Radicular Pain and on Analgesic Requirement: A Double Blinded, Randomized, 24 Hours Follow-up Study
This study is testing if cannabis oil can help hospitalized patients with severe pain feel better and use fewer painkillers like morphine.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hadassah Medical Organization Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Jerusalem) |
| Trial ID | NCT04816994 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of cannabis oil in managing acute radicular pain and renal colic pain in hospitalized patients. Participants will receive a single dose of cannabis oil alongside standard pain management protocols, including morphine. The study aims to determine if cannabis can provide pain relief and decrease the reliance on opioid medications. Eligible patients will be monitored for pain levels and overall outcomes during their treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 experiencing acute radicular pain lasting less than 12 weeks with significant pain levels.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions, recent opioid or cannabis use, or certain medical histories may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new pain management option that reduces the need for opioids in patients with acute radicular pain.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited clinical evidence on cannabis for acute pain management, expert opinions suggest potential benefits, indicating this approach may be novel and underexplored.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 70 years * ASA 1 or 2 * Acute Radicular Pain \< 12 weeks * Pain of VAS 6 or more/ VRS moderate or more * Radicular pain: Dermatomal pain that corresponds to physical exam and CT/MRI in the last year Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 or \> 70 years * ASA 3 or more * Chronic radicular pain \> 12 weeks * Past spine surgery * Intermittent Claudication due to Vascular Disease * Diagnosed Diabetic Neuropathy * Regular Cannabis use in past 6 months (more than once a week) OR once in last 2 weeks * Regular opioid use in past week (Targin, Percocet, Tramadol) (Equivalent to Oxycodone 20 mg/day or more) * Pregnancy or Lactating * Ischemic heart disease * Renal or hepatic failure * History of psychiatric illness * Cognitive impairment or inability to answer questions * Known allergy to opioids * Potential Loss to follow up
Where this trial is running
Jerusalem
- Hadassah Medical Center — Jerusalem, Israel (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.