Hemp-derived CBD for reducing cannabis use in high-THC concentrate users
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-11567759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults who mainly use high-potency cannabis concentrates reduce their cannabis use.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $98,952 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DA059234-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11567759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who primarily use cannabis concentrates and are seeking to reduce use.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who do not use cannabis concentrates or who are not seeking to reduce use may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you use cannabis concentrates and want to cut back, this study will compare a hemp-derived CBD product to a placebo to see if it helps lower use and relieve withdrawal and mood symptoms. The study uses a double-blind design so neither participants nor study staff know who gets CBD or placebo. Researchers will monitor cannabis use, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, mood, and safety over the trial period. Participants will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires as part of regular study visits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could offer a widely accessible option to reduce cannabis use and improve well-being for people using high-potency concentrates.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest CBD can reduce cannabis use and related symptoms, but evidence in hemp-derived, broad- or full-spectrum CBD forms in high-potency users is limited.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Hemp-derived CBD for helping people reduce high-potency cannabis use
A clinical trial tests whether hemp-derived CBD can help adults reduce cannabis use and related withdrawal and mood symptoms when using high-potency cannabis concentrates.
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.