Understanding Cannabidiol's Effects in Young Adults Who Use Cannabis

A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Study of Cannabidiol in Young Adult Cannabis Users

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11124772

This research explores how cannabidiol (CBD) might help young adults who use cannabis regularly to reduce potential harms.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11124772 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many young adults use cannabis, but few seek treatment for related concerns. This project aims to see if hemp-derived CBD can lessen some of the negative effects linked to cannabis use, such as changes in mood, thinking, or feelings of intoxication. We will work with young adults who use cannabis regularly, some preferring flower products and others concentrates, to understand how CBD might affect their experiences. Our approach uses a unique mobile lab setting to observe cannabis use in a natural way, helping us learn if CBD can reduce the desire to use THC or ease symptoms related to cannabis use.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants are young adults who regularly use cannabis and are not currently seeking to stop using it entirely.

Not a fit: Individuals who do not use cannabis or are actively seeking full abstinence from cannabis may not find direct benefit from this particular approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could offer a new way for young adults to manage their cannabis use and reduce associated harms without necessarily aiming for complete abstinence.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of CBD for various conditions is being explored, this particular approach uses a novel method to observe cannabis use in a natural setting.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.