The past 12 months have been huge for cannabis research, with hundred of studies and dozens of rigorously designed clinical trials published across a wide range of medical fields.
From chronic pain and neurodegeneration to psychiatric disorders and oncology, researchers are testing cannabis and its compounds in ways that were once limited by regulatory barriers.
With that in mind, below are 20 cannabis-related clinical trials released in the past 12 months
Clinical Trial Finds Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Shows Significant Benefits for Chronic Low Back Pain
A large Phase III randomized trial evaluated VER-01, a fully characterized cannabis extract, in 820 adults suffering from chronic low back pain. Over a 12-week blinded phase (followed by open-label and extension phases), VER-01 reduced pain more than placebo (mean difference ≈ 0.6 points on a 0–10 scale), with stronger effects in those having a neuropathic component. The treatment also improved sleep, physical function, and global patient ratings. Adverse events (dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, somnolence) were common but mostly mild to moderate; serious events were comparable between groups. Importantly, no signs of dependence, withdrawal, or abuse emerged when discontinuing.
This study suggests that a standardized, full-spectrum cannabis product may offer a safer, non-addictive alternative for chronic low back pain, potentially helping reduce reliance on NSAIDs or opioids.
Clinical Trial Finds CBD Reduces Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Without Increasing Alcohol Use
In this randomized, four-week study involving 172 mostly female participants (average age ~30), researchers compared effects of THC-dominant cannabis, CBD-dominant cannabis, and no cannabis on mood and alcohol use. Those in the CBD group showed greater reductions on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale compared to the THC group, particularly among participants who reported higher perceived discrimination. Importantly, CBD use was not associated with increased alcohol consumption or risk of disordered drinking. The authors suggest CBD might help alleviate negative emotional symptoms short-term without encouraging harmful alcohol use.
Clinical Trial Finds Cannabis Extract Reduces Pain and Improves Sleep, Breathing in Patients With Advanced Lung Cancer
In a Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 40 patients with advanced or metastatic lung cancer, escalating doses of a Cannabis sativa extract (10 to 100 mg/day) produced greater reductions in pain compared to placebo (mean VAS improvement 5.0 vs. 3.7). The trial also found statistically meaningful improvements in insomnia and dyspnea, though overall quality-of-life gains did not reach significance. Researchers suggest cannabis extract may serve as an adjuvant in managing pain and respiratory symptoms in advanced lung cancer.
Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract Improves Core Symptoms of Rett Syndrome and Reduces Caregiver Burden
In a 12-week open-label Phase I/II trial, 11 girls (ages 5–16) with Rett syndrome (MECP2 mutations) received NTI164, a low-THC, full-spectrum cannabis extract. Study outcomes included better mental alertness, communication, eye contact, reduced anxiety, and improvements in breathing abnormalities and repetitive movements. Caregivers also reported a lighter burden. Though there was no control arm and the sample was small, these findings offer promising preliminary evidence for a cannabis-based adjunct in Rett syndrome.
Study: Clinical Trial Finds CBD/CBDA Safe for Dogs Undergoing Chemotherapy
This randomized, placebo-controlled trial involved 25 client-owned dogs diagnosed with high-grade lymphoma, of which 19 completed the 5-week study. Dogs received either CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil or placebo while undergoing a CHOP chemotherapy cycle. The trial found no serious adverse events, no harmful interactions with doxorubicin (a key chemotherapeutic), and comparable hematologic and biochemical profiles between groups. Quality-of-life metrics also showed no significant differences. The authors conclude short-term CBD/CBDA seems well tolerated in canine cancer patients, though more research is needed on long-term safety and efficacy.
Clinical Trial: Topical CBD Gel Reduces Migraines and Improves Sleep in People With Bruxism-Related Muscle Pain
In a randomized, double-blind trial of 60 participants, nightly application of 5 % or 10 % CBD gel to the masseter muscles for 30 days led to significant improvements in sleep quality (via PSQI) and reductions in migraine-related disability (MIDAS) compared to placebo. Both dosing arms reduced muscle tension (measured by EMG and Bruxoff®), and there was little difference between the 5 % and 10 % formulations. The results suggest a promising non-systemic approach for treating bruxism-related facial pain, migraine symptoms, and sleep disturbances.
Harvard Study: CBD Reduces Anxiety Symptoms in Pilot Clinical Trial
In an open-label pilot trial conducted by Harvard, 12 individuals with moderate to severe anxiety used a full-spectrum CBD sublingual solution (30 mg/day) over six weeks. Participants experienced notable reductions in anxiety symptoms, with concurrent improvements in mood, sleep, and quality of life. Cognitive performance remained stable or improved; no serious adverse events were reported. The trial provides preliminary human data for hemp-derived CBD as a potential anxiety therapy, though larger placebo-controlled trials are needed.
Clinical Trial Finds CBD Vaporization Doesn’t Negatively Impact Driving Performance and Vision
This double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study assessed effects of vaporized CBD (16 mg and 32 mg) on simulated driving and visual function in 30 subjects. Neither dose significantly altered overall driving performance (ODPS), nor most visual metrics. A slight, statistically significant decline in motion detection was observed, but secondary outcomes such as reaction time, lane control, and collisions showed no differences. The findings suggest moderate CBD vaporization may not impair basic driving or vision tasks in healthy users.
Clinical Trial Finds High-Fat Meals Increase Bioavailability and Alter Absorption of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extract
In a crossover pharmacokinetic study with 11 healthy participants, a single dose of CBD-rich extract (~70 mg) was administered in both fasting and high-fat meal conditions. The high-fat meal dramatically increased CBD bioavailability: peak concentration (Cmax) rose ~17-fold, and total exposure (AUC) ~9.7-fold. A biphasic absorption pattern emerged under fed conditions, likely due to lymphatic uptake or enterohepatic recirculation. These results highlight the strong influence of dietary fat on CBD absorption, with critical implications for dosing and therapeutic consistency.
Study: Delta-8-THC Produces Similar Effects to Delta-9-THC at Higher Doses, Finds Johns Hopkins Clinical Trial
In a double-blind crossover trial of 19 healthy adults, the researchers compared psychoactive and physiological effects of Δ⁸-THC (10, 20, 40 mg) with Δ⁹-THC (20 mg) and placebo. Δ⁸-THC produced dose-dependent effects qualitatively similar to Δ⁹-THC, but required higher doses to match intensity (e.g., 40 mg Δ⁸ approximated 20 mg Δ⁹). Metabolite profiling showed lower levels of the 11-OH metabolite from Δ⁸, which may underlie its lower potency. The results caution against assuming Δ⁸ is inherently “milder,” especially at higher doses.
Clinical Trial: CBD Improves Naming Function in People With Parkinson’s Disease
A double-blind randomized trial involving 60 Parkinson’s disease patients tested a sublingual CBD product delivering ~26 mg CBD + 1.2 mg THC daily vs placebo over 12 weeks. While the primary cognitive endpoint (delayed recall) did not differ significantly, the CBD arm exhibited a modest but statistically significant improvement in naming (lexical fluency). No major safety signals emerged, though alkaline phosphatase levels increased slightly. The findings suggest CBD may offer targeted cognitive benefit in Parkinson’s, meriting deeper exploration in larger trials.
Clinical Trial Finds THC:CBD Spray Safe and Feasible for Treating Agitation in Alzheimer’s Patients
In the UK-based STAND trial, 29 Alzheimer’s patients with clinically significant agitation were randomized to receive nabiximols (THC:CBD spray) or placebo for four weeks, followed by a four-week observation phase. All participants completed the trial, adherence was perfect, and no adverse reactions were reported. Although the study was underpowered (target recruitment was disrupted), it demonstrated that using THC:CBD spray in this vulnerable population is both safe and feasible, laying groundwork for efficacy trials in dementia-related behavioral symptoms.
Clinical Trial Finds Combination THC and Acetazolamide Reduces Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity
A controlled trial tested a low dose of THC alongside acetazolamide in adults with obstructive sleep apnea and found the combination reduced apnea–hypopnea events and improved sleep quality measures without notable safety issues, supporting further study of cannabinoid-adjunct therapy for OSA.
Clinical Trial: Transdermal Cannabinoid Oil Found Effective at Treating Diabetic Neuropathy
Patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy using a cannabinoid-infused transdermal oil reported meaningful reductions in neuropathic pain and improved daily functioning compared to placebo, with mostly mild, localized adverse events.
Clinical Trial: CBD Shows Potential for Reducing Anxiety in Women With Advanced Breast Cancer
In women undergoing treatment for advanced breast cancer, adjunct CBD was associated with lower anxiety scores and better sleep quality over the study period, with good tolerability and no signal of worsening treatment-related side effects.
Clinical Trial Finds Marijuana Oil Associated With Significant Improvements in Pain and Quality of Life
Participants receiving a standardized marijuana oil reported significant pain relief, better sleep, and improved overall quality-of-life metrics versus baseline; adverse effects were generally mild and transient.
Clinical Trials Find Marijuana May Be Effective in Treating the Pain and Symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy
Across multiple controlled trials, inhaled or oral cannabinoid therapies produced clinically relevant reductions in neuropathic pain intensity and improved patient-reported outcomes such as sleep and function, with acceptable short-term safety profiles.
Clinical Trial: Chronic CBD Use Reduced Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
In a 12-week open-label trial of adults with idiopathic hypersomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, daily CBD (300 mg) was associated with reductions in subjective sleepiness (via ESS) and improvements in wakefulness, though objective measures (MSLT) were not consistently changed. Side effects were mild (e.g. dry mouth, gastrointestinal upset).
Clinical Trial Finds Marijuana Capsules Effective in Reducing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
In cancer patients receiving high-emetogenic chemotherapy, oral marijuana capsules (THC + other cannabinoids) significantly reduced incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting compared to standard antiemetics alone. Tolerability was acceptable, with dizziness, sedation, and xerostomia among the more common mild adverse events.
More articles from The Marijuana Herald can be found below.
