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Cannabinoids for Osteoarthritis Pain Effectiveness Trial
Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto
Summary
This study aims to investigate whether oral cannabis extracts can effectively manage pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint condition affecting one in seven Canadians. Current OA treatments often have limited effectiveness and may cause side effects. As a result, many individuals with OA turn to medical cannabis for pain relief, despite limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. The goal of this study is to assess the feasibility of a larger trial evaluating the effects of two cannabis compounds-CBD and THC-compared to a placebo (a look-alike substance containing no active drug) on pain interference in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis. Participants will: * Take either CBD, THC, or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks * Complete follow-ups remotely, with no in-person clinic visits required * Maintain a diary tracking their study drug usage and any additional pain medications
Official title: The Effectiveness of Oral Cannabis Extracts for Osteoarthritic Pain: an Internal Pilot, Placebo Controlled, Blinded Randomized Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
40 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
100
Start Date
2026-01-29
Completion Date
2027-02-28
Last Updated
2026-04-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
CBD
The starting dose will be 1 capsule per day (50 mg CBD) taken orally. The dose will be gradually increased over the first four weeks, based on patient assessment, up to a maximum of five capsules per day (250 mg CBD) in divided doses. Once the dose that maximizes potential therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse effects has been determined, it will be maintained for the remaining four weeks of the trial.
THC
The starting dose will be 1 capsule per day (3 mg THC) taken orally. The dose will be gradually increased over the first four weeks, based on patient assessment, up to a maximum of five capsules per day (15 mg THC) in divided doses. Once the dose that maximizes potential therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse effects has been determined, it will be maintained for the remaining four weeks of the trial.
Placebo
The starting dose will be 1 capsule per day taken orally. The dose will be gradually increased over the first four weeks, based on patient assessment, up to a maximum of five capsules per day in divided doses. Once the dose that maximizes potential therapeutic effects while minimizing adverse effects has been determined, it will be maintained for the remaining four weeks of the trial.
Locations (3)
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Women's College Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
McGill University Health Centre/Montreal General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada