Cannabidiol for different patterns of alcohol use
Official title: Effects of Full-spectrum Cannabidiol on Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Use Disorder Phenotypes: Implications for Precision Medicine
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT07279558 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if taking daily cannabidiol (CBD) helps adults who drink alcohol regularly drink less and have fewer alcohol-related problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 21, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07279558 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 21–65 who regularly drink alcohol, have used CBD or cannabis at least once in the past year, and can attend in-person visits at the study site are the best fit for this protocol.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications that interact with CBD or alcohol, on most antiepileptic or psychotropic drugs, or with medical conditions that make alcohol or CBD unsafe are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants are randomized to full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or placebo and take the assigned medication daily for 8 weeks while completing daily surveys and weekly virtual check-ins. The protocol includes up to five in-person visits over about 13 weeks (screening, medication visit, midpoint, an experimental lab session with alcohol offered in a bar lab, and a final follow-up). The study enrolls adults aged 21–65 who drink regularly and have used CBD or cannabis at least once in the past year. Safety monitoring excludes people on certain interacting or psychotropic medications, pregnant or nursing people, and those with medical conditions that contraindicate CBD or alcohol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a medication option using CBD to help people reduce drinking and alcohol-related harms.
How similar studies have gone: Early lab and small clinical studies of CBD for alcohol-related behaviors have shown mixed or preliminary signals, so the approach remains relatively unproven in larger clinical settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 21-65 2. Have used CBD and cannabis at least once in the last year 3. Regularly drink alcohol 4. Able to provide informed consent and attend in-person study visits Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current use of medications known to have major interaction with Epidiolex, Marinol, or alcohol 2. Current use of antiepileptic medication or any psychotropic medication besides antidepressants 3. Pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy 4. Medical conditions that contraindicates the use of CBD or alcohol 5. Current medical conditions that may require intensive care during the study period Not everyone will qualify to be in the study. Other inclusion and exclusion criteria will be evaluated by the study team.
Where it's running
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University of Colorado School of Medicine- Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hollis C Karoly, PhD — University of Colorado School of Medicine- Anschutz Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Hollis C Karoly, PhD
- Email: hollis.karoly@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-7179
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.