Cannabidiol and Older Adults Who Use Cannabis

Cannabidiol and Older Adult Cannabis Users: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11124782

This project looks at how cannabidiol (CBD) affects the physical and mental health of older adults who use cannabis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124782 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project aims to understand how cannabis use impacts the physical and cognitive health of older adults, especially those aged 65 and above, who are at higher risk for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. We will compare the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) with a placebo in older adults who already use cannabis. Researchers are interested in whether CBD might offer protective benefits for the brain or help reduce the need for multiple medications, while also considering potential negative effects from high doses of THC. The project will also explore how inflammation and the body's natural cannabinoid system might influence these outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, aged 65 and above, who currently use cannabis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use cannabis or are under 65 years of age would not directly benefit from participating in this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help older adults and their healthcare providers make more informed decisions about cannabis use, potentially identifying ways to improve cognitive and physical health.

How similar studies have performed: While animal studies suggest potential neuroprotective effects of CBD, this specific randomized, placebo-controlled approach in older human cannabis users is designed to provide direct evidence.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.