Creating new treatments for addiction using cannabinoid receptors

Development of selective cannabinoid receptor 2 agonists for treatment of addiction

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11047693

This study is looking at new medications that use cannabinoids to help people struggling with addiction to drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine, aiming to find better ways to support recovery.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11047693 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing selective cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) agonists to treat addiction, particularly to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine. By understanding how cannabinoids interact with the brain's dopamine system, the project aims to create new pharmacological interventions for stimulant use disorder, which currently lacks approved treatments. The research involves preclinical studies to assess the efficacy of these new compounds in reducing addictive behaviors. Patients may benefit from potential new medications that could help manage their addiction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from stimulant use disorders, such as those addicted to methamphetamine or cocaine.

Not a fit: Patients with addiction to substances other than stimulants, such as opioids or alcohol, may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective new treatments for individuals struggling with stimulant addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using cannabinoids to influence addictive behaviors, suggesting that this approach may be viable.

Where this research is happening

STANFORD, 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 →

Conditions: addictive disorder

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.