Cannabis for Chronic Back Pain: French Study Spurs Reimbursement Debate as Global Prevalence Soars
PARIS - A recently concluded French experiment with medical cannabis is fueling a national debate over potential reimbursement for the drugS use in treating chronic low back pain, a condition affecting hundreds of millions worldwide. while the experiment officially ended December 31, 2024, patients previously included can continue treatment until March 31, 2026, as part of a transitional period following the cessation of new inclusions in March 2024. The future of broader access hinges on a review by the high Authority for Health (HAS), which has been requesting data on cannabis drugs authorized by the ANSM since March 2025.
Currently, only a limited number of serious conditions qualify for cannabis-based treatment coverage in France. Chronic low back pain is not among them, despite a recent international study published in Nature Medicine suggesting potential benefits. The HAS’s decision will determine whether cannabis products can move into standard medical practise and be reimbursed by health insurance.
The experiment’s findings arrive as the global burden of low back pain continues to grow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 619 million people suffered from the condition in 2020, a number projected to rise to 843 million by 2050. In France alone, these pains account for nearly 11.5 million lost working days annually, according to the INRS.
French medical recommendations currently prioritize non-pharmacological approaches to low back pain, including information, physical activity, reassurance, and multidisciplinary management. While pharmacological options like short-term NSAIDs are considered, opioids are increasingly discouraged due to risks of tolerance and addiction.
Experts suggest that a non-opioid analgesic with a high level of evidence, like cannabis potentially offers, could be a valuable addition to the treatment landscape, though not a singular solution.Patient selection, individual tolerance, and duration of use will remain critical considerations.