Using cannabis oil for pain management before surgery

Effects of a Cannabis Extract as Anaesthetic Premedication on Postoperative Pain, Nausea-vomiting and Perioperative Anxiety

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Hadassah Medical Organization · NCT02283281

This study is testing whether cannabis oil can help reduce pain, nausea, and anxiety in patients before they have elective surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorHadassah Medical Organization Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jerusalem)
Trial IDNCT02283281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of cannabis oil as a premedication for patients undergoing elective surgeries. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either a high dose, low dose, or placebo of cannabis oil before surgery, with the aim of assessing its impact on postoperative pain, nausea, and anxiety. The study employs a double-dummy design to ensure that both the treatment and placebo groups receive identical treatment protocols. The trial seeks to fill a gap in clinical evidence regarding the use of cannabis in a perioperative setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled for elective surgeries who are classified as ASA risk I or II.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA risk III or higher, those who have used cannabis in the last 6 months, or those with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel approach to managing postoperative pain and anxiety using cannabis oil.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited clinical evidence on the use of cannabis oil in this context, the approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled for elective surgeries suitable for postoperative pain treatment with intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia.
* American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) risk I or II

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA III or higher
* Cannabis use within the last 6 months
* Pregnancy
* Emergency surgeries
* Regional anesthesia
* Ischemic heart disease
* Renal failure
* History of psychosis
* Cognitive impairment or inability to answer questions

Where this trial is running

Jerusalem

Study contacts

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 Pain, PostoperativePostoperative Nausea and VomitingAnxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.