Randomized and Blind Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Full-Spectrum Oral Cannabis sativa Oil Extract, Standardized Based on CBD-A, CBD and THC-A, THC in Canines with Chronic Osteoarthritis

Chronic osteoarthritis (COA) is a degenerative and progressive disease that causes inflammation and joint pain. Conventional treatment usually includes the use of drugs, which can cause significant adverse reactions, tolerance development, and limited analgesic efficacy. In recent years, the growing interest in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has highlighted its potential as a therapeutic option for managing pain associated with COA. This study evaluated the efficacy of twice-daily (BID) oral administration of a full-spectrum Cannabis sativa oil extract for pain management over a six-week period. Three randomized study groups were formed: Cannabis, Placebo, and Control. Participants received one of the proposed treatment protocols and underwent initial evaluations, followed by pain monitoring using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and the Canine Osteoarthritis Staging Tool (COAST). In the Cannabis and Placebo groups, the study was randomized and double-blind. The Cannabis extract had a concentration of 46.4 mg/ml, including cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ-9 tetrahidrocannabinol (THC), and tetrahydronannabinolic acid (THCA). Both groups followed a dose-escalation protocol of 0.1 mg/kg every four days during the first four weeks, concluding with two weeks at the maximum tolerated dose (DMT) of 2 mg/kg. Patients did not experience any adverse reactions. A significant pain response was obtained on day 28 of treatment, when the dose reached 2 mg/kg (DMT), the maximum dosage at which patients felt comfortable. Canine Breaf Pain Inventory (CBPI), scale results revealed a reduction in pain from time 0 to day 28 of 39.6% in the Cannabis group, 24.7% in the Placebo group, and an increase of 1.6% in the Control group. Additionally, Canine Ostheoarthritis Staging Tool (COAST), evaluation analysis indicated a reduction from level 5 to level 4 in 55.5% of cases in the Cannabis group, while no changes were observed in the Placebo and Control groups. We proposed that the total oily extract of the Cannabis sativa plant, administered by the oral route is effective in controlling the pain associated with COA in dogs, thereby improving the quality of life of the patient, our results supported it.