Exploring Hemp-Derived CBD to Help People with Cannabis Use Disorder
Official title: Hemp-derived Cannabidiol for the treatment of cannabis use disorder in concentrate users: A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11128533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether widely available hemp-derived CBD can help adults who use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $710,354 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA059234-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 or older who regularly use high-potency cannabis concentrates and experience symptoms of cannabis use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis concentrates or do not have cannabis use disorder would likely not benefit from this specific treatment approach.
What this research studies
As cannabis products with very high THC levels become more common, we are seeing more people struggle with cannabis use disorder (CUD) and experience more severe withdrawal. Previous research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating compound from cannabis, might help reduce cannabis use and related symptoms like anxiety and withdrawal. However, those studies used special forms of CBD that are not easily available. This project will test two types of hemp-derived CBD, one with a tiny bit of THC and one without, to see if they can help people reduce their use of high-potency cannabis concentrates compared to a placebo.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a new, accessible, and non-prescription treatment option for individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder, especially those who use high-potency concentrates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using synthetic or isolated CBD have shown promising results in reducing cannabis use and related symptoms, but this is the first to test widely available hemp-derived CBD.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bidwell, L. Cinnamon — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Bidwell, L. Cinnamon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
-
Varenicline for Cannabis Use Disorder in Men and Women
A clinical trial will test if varenicline helps people with cannabis use disorder, with a focus on differences between men and women and added counseling to support craving and mood management.
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Cannabis Use Disorder and Opioid Health Risks in Veterans: A Long-Term VA Study
A long-term study of veterans looking at how cannabis use disorder and its treatment relate to opioid-related health problems and hospital visits.
-
One-session computerized program with text reminders to help manage distress and reduce cannabis use
A short computer-delivered emotional skills session plus just-in-time text reminders to help people who use cannabis and struggle with handling distress learn to tolerate emotions and cut back on use.
-
Advancing Pregnenolone as a Therapy for Cannabis Use Disorder with Depression
A study tests pregnenolone as a therapy for adults who have both cannabis use disorder and depression and aims to reduce cannabis use and improve mood.
-
Cannabis use and HIV: how pot may affect aging and HIV outcomes
A big study will look at how cannabis use and cannabis use disorder affect older people with HIV, including how it relates to aging problems and HIV treatment success.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.