Using cannabidiol to reduce the harmful effects of heroin.
Official title: Functional efficacy of cannabidiol in modulating the adverse effects of heroin in primates.
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10809853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cannabidiol, a safe part of cannabis, might help lessen the harmful effects of heroin use, especially breathing problems, and will compare its benefits to some current medications for people struggling with heroin addiction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $232,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DA057513-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a history of heroin use or those at risk of opioid addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved with opioid use or do not have a history of substance abuse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, can help reduce the negative effects associated with heroin use. By using non-human primate models, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of cannabidiol in decreasing heroin-related behaviors and respiratory issues. The research will compare cannabidiol's effects to those of existing medications like naltrexone and buprenorphine, focusing on its ability to mitigate abuse liability and respiratory depression caused by heroin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for individuals struggling with heroin addiction and its adverse effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that cannabidiol can reduce drug-seeking behavior in animal models, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Mei-Chuan — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ko, Mei-Chuan
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.