Skip to content
Dr. Cannabis

Back pain

Persistent back pain. Covered by the chronic pain finding once it is chronic.

Substantial evidenceStrong evidence from randomized controlled trials, with very few or no credible opposing findings.

What the evidence says

Covered by the NASEM conclusion on chronic pain in adults, once the pain is chronic.

Once back pain has lasted more than three months it falls within the chronic pain conclusion, which is NASEM's strongest.

Acute back pain is a different situation and usually resolves on its own. It has not been studied for cannabis.

Sedating formats are worth avoiding if movement and physiotherapy are part of your recovery plan — staying active is one of the better-supported interventions for back pain.

What to ask for

This is a starting point, not a prescription. Take it to a licensed dispensary and ask to see the batch certificate of analysis.

Suggested ratio
Balanced 1:1
Starting THC dose
2.5 mg
Commonly chosen profile
Balanced hybrid
Time of day
either

Cannabinoids

  • THC

    The main intoxicating compound in cannabis. It drives most of what people mean by "high," and it is also the cannabinoid behind most documented therapeutic effects.

  • CBD

    Non-intoxicating. The only cannabis-derived compound with an FDA-approved medicine behind it, and the cannabinoid most often used to soften THC.

Terpenes to look for

Commonly present in products people choose for this. Terpene effect claims are preclinical — this is a way to find a product again, not a promise about how it will feel.

Formats

  • TopicalOnset 15–60 min · lasts 2–6 h

    Creams, balms, and patches applied to skin. Non-transdermal topicals do not produce intoxication.

  • TinctureOnset 15–90 min · lasts 4–8 h

    Liquid extract dosed by dropper. The most precise way to titrate an oral dose in small increments.

  • CapsuleOnset 30–120 min · lasts 6–8 h

    Swallowed softgel or capsule. Behaves like an edible with pharmacy-style consistency.

Get a personalised starting point

Answer four questions and we will adjust the dose for your experience level and find licensed dispensaries near you.

Get guidance

Talk to a doctor if

  • • You have loss of bladder or bowel control — seek emergency care
  • • You have numbness in the groin or inner thighs — seek emergency care
  • • You have leg weakness
  • • Back pain follows a fall or accident

Related conditions

Sources

  1. NASEM 2017, Committee Conclusions (summary PDF of all evidence-tier conclusions).Accessed 2026-08-15.