Actively Recruiting
Cannabinoids for Osteoarthritis Pain Effectiveness Trial
Led by University Health Network, Toronto · Updated on 2026-04-02
100
Participants Needed
3
Research Sites
56 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University Health Network, Toronto
Lead Sponsor
C
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Cannabinoids for Osteoarthritis Pain Effectiveness Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 40 and 80 years
- Diagnosed with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
- Experiencing moderate to severe pain interference with a PROMIS-PI SF-6a T-score of 60 or higher
- No new analgesics or osteoarthritis treatments started in the past 4 weeks
- Able to read, understand, and self-report in English or French
You will not qualify if you...
- Planned hip or knee surgery within the next 4 months
- Injection into the affected joint(s) within the past 3 months or planned during the trial
- Having inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout
- Contraindications to cannabis or cannabinoids
- Used nabilone, nabiximols, or cannabis in the last 30 days
- History of cannabis use disorder or dependence
- Active substance use disorder
- Current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depression, or psychosis
- Uncontrolled medical or major psychiatric disorder
- Currently taking warfarin
- Known pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Planning pregnancy during study or within 12 weeks after stopping study drugs
- No fixed address or planning to move within 4 months
- Known or suspected allergy to palm or coconut oil
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 3 locations
1
University Health Network
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2C4
Actively Recruiting
2
Women's College Hospital
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 1B2
Actively Recruiting
3
McGill University Health Centre/Montreal General Hospital
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1A4
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sonal Thaker
CONTACT
D
Deep Grewal
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here