Can cannabis ease opioid withdrawal? small study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05729932

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Shanna Babalonis, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage study is testing whether inhaled cannabis can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people with opioid use disorder who are not currently seeking treatment. Researchers will give participants either cannabis or a placebo and measure how they feel, including withdrawal severity and drug liking. The study is very small with only 15 people, so it is a first step to see if this approach is safe and worth studying further.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: inhaled vaporized cannabis
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to use cannabis to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small Phase 1 trial with only 15 people. It is testing safety and basic effects, not yet a proven treatment. Results may not apply to everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

opiate dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OPIOID-USE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center on Drug and Alcohol Research
RECRUITING

Lexington, Kentucky, 40508, United States

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