New Breakthrough: A Cannabis-Like Pain Reliever Without the High—But Is It Really the Answer?
A breakthrough in pain relief—or just Big Pharma’s way to control cannabis?
A new study claims to have cracked the code: pain relief from cannabis without the high. For many, that sounds like a dream come true. But is it really the game-changer chronic pain sufferers have been waiting for, or just another way for Big Pharma to profit off the plant?
Let’s break it down.
What Scientists Discovered
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine and Stanford University have developed a synthetic compound called VIP36, which mimics cannabis’s pain-relieving properties—but with a twist. Unlike THC, it doesn’t cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning it won’t get you high or lead to dependency.
Even better? It doesn’t build tolerance like opioids do, meaning patients wouldn’t need to increase their dose over time.
Sounds great, right? Well, the internet has some thoughts.
The Debate: Exciting Innovation or Just Another Patent Play?
When this study hit the news, people had a lot to say.
1. “Oh, so it’s patentable and expensive now?”
Some people immediately saw this as pharmaceutical companies cashing in while cannabis itself remains restricted.
👉 “It solves the problem of how pharma can profit from cannabis while keeping it illegal for everyone else pretty nicely.”
It’s a fair point. Unlike cannabis, which you can grow at home, this lab-made compound is a patented drug that only pharmaceutical companies can produce and sell. If it eventually makes it to market, will it be affordable? Or will it come with a hefty price tag?
2. “I’d love pain relief without impairment.”
For many, the intoxicating effects of cannabis are a dealbreaker. Parents, workers, and people with responsibilities can’t afford to be high all the time, even if cannabis helps their pain.
👉 “I have two kids and a full-time job. The high makes cannabis non-viable for me.”
👉 “I use Kratom daily but would rather have something with fewer side effects.”
For these folks, a non-intoxicating alternative sounds like a major win.
3. “But the high is part of the relief.”
Not everyone agrees that removing THC’s effects is a good thing. Some chronic pain sufferers feel the psychoactive effects of cannabis help them cope mentally—not just physically.
👉 “Smoking weed doesn’t make the pain go away, but it lets me forget about it for a little while.”
This raises an interesting question: Does cannabis relieve pain purely by blocking pain signals, or does it also help by shifting our perception of pain?
What Happens Next?
VIP36 isn’t coming to pharmacies anytime soon—it could take eight years or more before human trials and regulatory approval. In the meantime, cannabis remains a widely used alternative to opioids, even if it comes with psychoactive effects.
So, will this new synthetic cannabinoid be the pain solution so many people need? Or will it become just another high-priced pharmaceutical while natural cannabis remains a legal gray area?
Only time will tell.
What do you think? Would you try a cannabis-based pain reliever without the high? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatments, including cannabis use.