Exploring how cannabidiol laws affect substance use behaviors
Official title: Understanding cannabidiol policy and its impacts on broader substance use
Funded at Rand Corporation · NIH-11160963 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in laws about CBD (a compound found in cannabis) affect people's use of alcohol and opioids, helping us understand if having access to CBD for medical reasons can lead to less misuse of stronger painkillers and fewer overdoses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rand Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Monica, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $268,470 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA060486-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11160963 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who are using or considering using CBD products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use CBD or are not affected by substance use issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) policy changes on substance use behaviors, particularly focusing on alcohol and opioid use. It aims to understand how the legalization of medical CBD in various states influences public health outcomes, including rates of substance use and related poisonings. By analyzing the relationship between CBD access and changes in substance use, the study seeks to provide insights into how alternative pain management options may affect opioid misuse and overdose rates. The research will utilize data from states with varying CBD laws to assess these impacts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform policies that improve public health by reducing substance misuse and related harms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that marijuana policies can influence alcohol and opioid use, suggesting potential for similar findings with CBD policies.
Where this research is happening
-
Rand Corporation
Santa Monica, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Powell, David — Rand Corporation
- Study coordinator: Powell, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving contraception decisions for women with substance use disorders after childbirth
A patient-centered decision tool called MyPath aims to help postpartum women with substance use disorders choose and keep effective contraception after giving birth.
-
Co-treated care for substance use and heart infection at UVMMC
A hospital-based project aims to improve how doctors and teams treat people with both substance use disorder and infective endocarditis during their hospital stay.
-
Preventing Suicide Among Teens Who Use Substances in School Settings
Aims to see if how schools respond to substance-use incidents (like alcohol or drugs) can lower suicide risk among high‑risk students.
-
People and Place: How geography affects HIV care and substance use in Los Angeles
Aims to understand how where you live in LA affects HIV care and substance use, and to adapt a proven intervention to help PLWH who use substances connect with better care.
-
A crowdsourced, survivor-led approach to boost HIV/STI/HCV testing and overdose-prevention service use for sex trafficking survivors in NYC
A NYC-based study tests a survivor-driven digital messaging approach and at-home tests to help sex trafficking survivors increase HIV/STI/HCV testing and use overdose-prevention resources.
-
Transforming prison care for HIV, HIV risk, and substance use disorders
A patient-friendly look at improving HIV care and prevention for people in state prisons, especially where substance use is common.
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.