Using Cannabidiol to Help with Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain
Official title: Cannabidiol Pharmacotherapy for Comorbid Opioid Addiction and Chronic Pain
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11077231 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Cannabidiol (CBD) might help people who are dealing with both chronic pain and opioid use disorder by seeing if it can reduce their pain and cravings for opioids, offering a new treatment option for those in need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,700 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DA052682-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077231 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder who also experience chronic pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have opioid use disorder or chronic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Cannabidiol (CBD) can help individuals who suffer from both opioid use disorder and chronic pain. It aims to assess the effectiveness of CBD in reducing pain sensitivity and cravings for opioids through a combination of behavioral assessments and pain testing methods. By focusing on the safety and therapeutic potential of CBD, the study seeks to provide a new treatment option for those struggling with these comorbid conditions. Participants will undergo various tests to measure their pain responses and cravings, contributing to a better understanding of CBD's role in pain management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients dealing with both opioid addiction and chronic pain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results for cannabinoids in pain management and addiction treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Aquino, Joao Paulo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: De Aquino, Joao Paulo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
THC and CBD for opioid addiction and chronic pain
This project seeks to reduce both chronic pain and opioid cravings in people with opioid use disorder who are receiving opioid agonist therapy by using a combination of THC and CBD.
-
Digital program to help Veterans with chronic pain and opioid-use disorder stay on treatment and feel better
A web-based 9-week program helps Veterans on buprenorphine manage chronic pain and cravings from home.
-
Motor cortex tricks to ease chronic pain
A study in rodents and people tests whether non-invasive brain stimulation of the motor cortex can reduce chronic pain and how best to target it.
-
Human pain center study to map normal and migraine-trigeminal neurons
A large NIH-funded project will map and study the human trigeminal neurons involved in migraines to understand what changes in these cells during headache conditions.
-
Understanding human pain neurons to improve migraine care
Researchers are studying human pain-sensing neurons to uncover what makes migraine start and persist, with the goal of better treatments for people who experience migraines.
-
Whole Person Pain Algorithm to personalize chronic pain care
A new, evidence-based model helps explain why chronic low back pain affects people differently and could guide personalized diagnosis and treatment.
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.