Investigating the effects of cannabidiol on cannabis use in young adults
Official title: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study of Cannabidiol in Young Adult Cannabis Users
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10912685 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how CBD, a compound from hemp, might help young adults who regularly use cannabis feel better and manage any negative effects, by comparing those using CBD to those using a placebo while they enjoy their usual cannabis products.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $409,284 |
| NIH project number | 5P50DA056408-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912685 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who regularly use cannabis and are open to exploring non-abstinence approaches to manage their use.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use cannabis or are not interested in exploring harm reduction strategies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on young adults who regularly use cannabis, aiming to understand how hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) can help reduce the negative effects associated with cannabis use. The study will involve participants using their preferred cannabis products in a controlled setting, where researchers will assess changes in mood, cognitive function, and cannabis use behaviors. By comparing groups using CBD versus a placebo, the research seeks to identify potential harm reduction strategies for cannabis users who are not actively seeking treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how CBD may help mitigate the harms of cannabis use and support healthier consumption patterns among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: While research on CBD's effects is growing, this specific approach targeting young adult cannabis users is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hopfer, Christian J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Hopfer, Christian J
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
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Understanding how minority stress affects cannabis use in sexual minorities
A research project follows young adult sexual minorities to see how daily stress and coping help explain cannabis use and related problems.
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Repeated cannabis with different THC/CBD mixes and how it affects pain, cravings, and body chemicals
This project studies how taking cannabis repeatedly, with different THC and CBD amounts, changes pain experiences, potential for abuse, and levels of body chemicals related to the endocannabinoid system in adults.
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Terminal cannabinoid CB1 receptor changes in schizophrenia and cannabis use
This grant studies how cannabis use and schizophrenia together affect a brain receptor (CB1) and what that could mean for memory and symptoms.
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Cannabis policies and prenatal cannabis use: how laws affect moms and babies
This grant studies how changes in recreational cannabis laws influence cannabis use during pregnancy and health outcomes for mothers and children.
-
Youth and social media marketing of hemp-derived cannabis products
Young people are increasingly exposed to hemp-derived cannabis product marketing on social media, and this study looks at how that marketing might influence their attitudes and curiosity.
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.