CBD shows promise for opioid cravings and pain in early trial
NCT ID NCT05076370
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-phase study tested whether cannabidiol (CBD) could safely help people with both opioid use disorder and chronic pain. Seven adults on methadone or buprenorphine received single doses of CBD (400, 800, or 1200 mg) or a placebo in a crossover design. Researchers measured safety, sedation, cognitive function, and effects on pain and cravings. The trial is complete, but results are not yet widely reported.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a safe, non-addictive option to help manage pain and reduce cravings in people with opioid use disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very early, tiny study with only 7 people. It only tested single doses, not long-term use. Results may not apply to everyone, and side effects or lack of benefit are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
7 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Dec 2021
- Finished
-
Jun 2024
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 70 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged between 18 and 70 years old. * Diagnosed with OUD and currently enrolled in methadone or buprenorphine maintenance treatment. * Having chronic pain, uniformly operationalized as grade II (high-intensity) non- cancer pain for ≥ 6 months 49. * Capable of providing informed consent in English. * Compliant in opioid maintenance treatment and on a stable dose for four weeks or longer. * Not meeting DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders other than OUD or tobacco use disorder within the last 12 months. * No current medical problems deemed contraindicated for participation by principal investigator. * For women, not pregnant as determined by pregnancy screening; not breast-feeding; using acceptable birth control methods. Acceptable contraception for women includes oral contraceptives, contraceptive depot injections, contraceptive subdermal implants, intrauterine devices, or surgical contraception methods. Acceptable contraception for men includes condoms or surgical contraception methods. Exclusion Criteria: * Other current major psychiatric disorders deemed clinically unstable by the principal investigator, such as severe depression and/or active suicidal ideation. * Having experienced major psychosocial stressors recently (≤ 6 weeks before enrollment), at the discretion of the principal investigator. * Methadone dose under 60mg or over 100mg * Buprenorphine over 24mg. * Having received inpatient psychiatric treatment recently (≤ 60 days before enrollment). * Candidates receiving products containing either THC or CBD will be excluded. * Current use regular use other prescription opioids, gabapentinoids (pregabalin, gabapentin), antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs), benzodiazepines, platelet inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, apixaban, ticagrelor), or NSAIDs. * Current weight of less of 60 kg. * Allergy to sesame seed oil, which is an ingredient of the CBD formulation used. * Serious medical or neurological illness or treatment for a medical disorder that could interfere with study participation as determined by principal investigator. * Participants who have elevation of liver enzymes (ALT and/or AST) 2x above the normal limit or higher.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Veteran Affairs Hospital
West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, United States
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