A small pilot trial showed that a controlled study of dronabinol for sickle cell disease pain is acceptable to patients and safe, though a crossover design compromised blinding.
People with sickle cell disease; pain researchers; medical cannabis advocates
85% of sickle cell patients approached were interested in a dronabinol trial
What the researchers found
Of 27 patients approached, 85% were interested. All enrolled participants completed all procedures. Dronabinol produced no serious adverse events. However, 100% correctly identified their assignment after the second period.
Why it matters
Many sickle cell patients already use cannabis for pain relief, but rigorous evidence is lacking. This pilot establishes that a controlled trial is feasible.
The numbers in context
27 approached, 23 (85%) interested, 13 (48%) consented, 6 (22%) enrolled. 100% protocol adherence. 0 serious adverse events.
How the study worked
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover pilot study. Six adults with sickle cell disease received dronabinol and placebo for two 2-week periods each.
What this study cannot tell us
Only 6 participants. Crossover design compromised blinding. Too small to assess efficacy.
How to read the evidence
Pilot feasibility study with only 6 participants.
When this study was published
2025 publication; larger efficacy trial currently ongoing
The bigger picture
Sickle cell disease causes severe chronic pain that is often undertreated. Cannabis-based treatments could offer an alternative pathway.
Questions still open
- Will the larger parallel-design trial (NCT05519111) demonstrate efficacy?
Common questions
What is dronabinol?
Why do sickle cell patients use cannabis?
Read the original research
A pilot study of dronabinol for the treatment of pain in sickle cell disease.
Pilot and feasibility studies, 11(1), 139
Citation
Curtis, Susanna A; Jhawar, Ritika; Bellis, Jordan; McCuskee, Sarah; Devine, Lesley; Roberts, John D. (2025). A pilot study of dronabinol for the treatment of pain in sickle cell disease.. Pilot and feasibility studies, 11(1), 139. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-025-01705-6
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