Phase II randomized controlled trial comparing traditional Thai cannabis-based medicine with lorazepam for insomnia treatment
Issued Date
2026-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
25225782
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105035344082
Journal Title
Journal of Cannabis Research
Volume
8
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Cannabis Research Vol.8 No.1 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Kamoltham T., Chokchaisiri S., Yongram C., Sripan P., Im-iam S., Sanasit P., Intaravattana V., Sawasdichai C., Udompat P., Chaiphongpachara T., Kummalue T. Phase II randomized controlled trial comparing traditional Thai cannabis-based medicine with lorazepam for insomnia treatment. Journal of Cannabis Research Vol.8 No.1 (2026). doi:10.1186/s42238-026-00415-x Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116220
Title
Phase II randomized controlled trial comparing traditional Thai cannabis-based medicine with lorazepam for insomnia treatment
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Abstract
Background: A traditional Thai cannabis-based multi-herbal formulation is legally recognized in Thailand for therapeutic use and clinical research. However, clinical evidence supporting its use for insomnia remains limited. Methods : This Phase II randomized, double-blind, active-controlled non-inferiority trial compared the efficacy and safety of the Anti-Pom-Leung Fever medicine with lorazepam in patients with chronic insomnia. One hundred participants were randomized to receive either the herbal formulation or lorazepam for 4 weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Non-inferiority was evaluated at week 4 using a predefined margin of 2.1 based on the upper bound of the two-sided 95% confidence interval for the mean PSQI difference (experimental minus comparator). Longitudinal changes were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, and safety was evaluated through clinical and laboratory assessments. Results : Eighty-two participants completed the study (41 per group). Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Both treatments significantly improved sleep quality over 4 weeks. At week 4, mean PSQI scores were 3.44 in the experimental group and 4.78 in the comparator group, with a mean difference of -1.34 (95% CI: -2.99 to 0.31), demonstrating non-inferiority. A significant main effect of time on PSQI scores was observed, with no significant time-by-treatment interaction. Quality of life and stress improved in both groups, and safety profiles were comparable, with no clinically significant adverse effects. Conclusions : The traditional Thai cannabis-based multi-herbal formulation demonstrated non-inferior efficacy to lorazepam and was well tolerated, supporting its use as a short-term alternative for chronic insomnia.