Cannabinoids for Osteoarthritis Pain Effectiveness Trial
Trial Parameters
Brief 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
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 40-80 years 2. Diagnosed with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis as per the American College of Rheumatology criteria 3. Experiencing moderate to severe pain interference as indicated by a PROMIS-PI SF-6a T-score ≥ 60 4. Have not initiated any new analgesics or osteoarthritis treatments in the previous 4 weeks 5. Able to self-report, understand and read English or French Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hip or knee surgery planned in the coming 4 months, 2. Injection into the affected joint(s) within the past 3 months (e.g., cortisone, plasma-rich protein, etc.), 3. Planned injection into the affected joint(s) during trial period, 4. Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, gout, etc.), 5. Contraindications to taking cannabis/cannabinoids, 6. Used nabilone or nabiximols in the last 30 days, 7. Used cannabis (medical or recreational) in the last 30 days (to allow sufficient washout), 8. A history of diagnosed cannabis use disorder or dependen