CBD and THC for Substance Abuse
(THC-REDUX Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to examine how CBD, a compound from cannabis, affects the impact of THC, another cannabis compound, in regular cannabis users. Participants will receive various combinations of CBD and THC or a placebo to compare effects. The trial seeks individuals who have inhaled cannabis at least once a week in the past month and are not currently seeking treatment for cannabis use. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a unique opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment combination.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team to get a clear answer.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Previous studies have shown that CBD does not appear to be addictive or lead to dependence in people. However, some individuals have reported side effects such as sleepiness and fatigue. In a safety review, 79% of participants experienced some side effects, with 25% feeling drowsy. Concerns exist that CBD might interact with other medications and cause liver problems.
Research suggests that THC can lead to addiction in about 22% to 30% of users. It may also cause relationship issues or reduce life achievements.
When used together, CBD and THC can enhance and prolong the effects of THC. This occurs because CBD slows the body's processing of THC. While this combination might help balance some disruptions caused by THC, awareness of these potential interactions is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about using CBD and THC for substance abuse because these compounds offer a natural approach that could target addiction differently from traditional treatments. Unlike existing options, which often include medications like methadone or buprenorphine, CBD and THC are derived from cannabis and may help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the stigma or side effects associated with opioid treatments. Specifically, CBD is being investigated for its potential to reduce anxiety and stress, which are common triggers for substance use. This natural approach could provide a fresh alternative to current therapies, potentially reshaping how substance abuse is treated.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for substance abuse?
Research has shown that CBD, one of the treatments in this trial, may help reduce the desire for drugs, including THC, potentially assisting with substance abuse issues. Studies have found that CBD can make drug use less appealing and help control cravings. In this trial, some participants will receive CBD alone, while others will receive a combination of CBD and THC. Using CBD with THC can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This combination might also improve mood and reduce anxiety, making it easier to cut down on substance use. Overall, these findings suggest that CBD, either alone or with THC, could effectively treat substance abuse problems.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ziva Cooper, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 21-55 who use cannabis 1-7 days a week, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and aren't seeking treatment for cannabis use. They must have a BMI of 18.5-34 kg/m2, be able to do all study tasks, and agree to use contraception.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive various combinations of THC and CBD to assess their interactions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- CBD
Trial Overview
The study is testing the effects of different doses of CBD (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg) against THC and a placebo in reducing harm from substance abuse. It aims to see if CBD can change how THC affects users.
How Is the Trial Designed?
8
Treatment groups
Active Control
Placebo Group
20 mg THC, 0 mg CBD
20 mg THC, 40 mg CBD
20 mg THC, 20 mg CBD
0 mg THC, 40 mg CBD
0 mg THC, 80 mg CBD
20 mg THC, 80 mg CBD
0 mg THC, 20 mg CBD
0 mg THC, 0 mg CBD
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Efficacy of cannabidiol alone or in combination with Δ‐9‐ ...
Specifically, CBD has shown effectiveness in inhibiting the reinforcing and rewarding properties of drugs in both human and animal studies [38].
2.
health.harvard.edu
health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-201808242496Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't
According to a report from the World Health Organization, "In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential….
Early Phase in the Development of Cannabidiol as a ...
Our paper provides an overview of preclinical animal and human clinical investigations, and presents preliminary clinical data that collectively sets a strong ...
Role of Cannabidiol in the Therapeutic Intervention for ...
Interestingly, CBD reduces the rewarding effects of THC since cannabis smokers (n = 94) with high CBD:THC ratio showed reduced attentional bias to drug stimuli ...
5.
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com
bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-05616-3A phase III multisite randomised controlled trial to compare the ...
Results from a Phase IIa randomised clinical trial suggest that treatment with CBD for four weeks reduced non-prescribed cannabis use in people ...
Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and ...
Potential risks and harms associated with CBD use include adverse drug interactions, liver toxicity, and reproductive and developmental effects.
Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity - PMC
Of the 162 patients in the safety and tolerability analysis, 79% reported AEs, 25% somnolence, 11% convulsions, and more than 5% reported somnolence, fatigue, ...
CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report
In an animal drug discrimination model CBD failed to substitute for THC. In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.
Cannabidiol and substance use disorder: Dream or reality
Taken together, these data indicate that CBD may be clinically useful in attenuating the rewarding effects of substance abuse. Thus, this ...
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