Cannabidiol Oil as an Add-on for Treatment-Resistant Major Depression
Official title: Effects of Full-Spectrum Cannabidiol Oil on Symptoms of Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Clinical Trial
Run by Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina · NCT07696871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether full-spectrum CBD oil added to standard antidepressants can help adults with treatment-resistant major depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 69 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Tubarão, Santa Catarina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07696871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 to 69 with MDD and persistent symptoms despite stable antidepressant therapy, residing in Brazil, and meeting eligibility criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who do not respond to CBD or experience adverse effects may not benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the safety and efficacy of full-spectrum cannabidiol oil as an adjunctive treatment for adults with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Participants will continue their stable antidepressant regimen while receiving either CBD oil or placebo for 12 weeks. Outcomes include depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep quality, perceived stress, and adverse effects. The trial aims to determine if CBD can improve clinical outcomes beyond standard therapy in this population. It is conducted in Brazil at UNISUL and UNILA with 120 participants recruited across sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience greater improvement in depressive symptoms and overall functioning when CBD is added to their current antidepressant treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research with CBD in mood disorders shows potential signals but results are mixed, making this phase 1/2 trial important to establish efficacy and safety in TRD.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 69 years * Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) * Persistent depressive symptoms despite ongoing antidepressant treatment * Stable antidepressant treatment for at least four weeks before enrollment * Residence in Brazil * Ability to understand study procedures and comply with study requirements * Provision of written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current use of cannabis-derived products or cannabinoid-based medications * Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders * Current substance use disorder, except nicotine or caffeine * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Severe or unstable medical conditions that may interfere with study participation * History of hypersensitivity or allergy to Cannabis sativa products or MCT oil * Active suicidal ideation or significant suicide risk requiring immediate intervention * Participation in another clinical trial within the previous 30 days * Inability to comply with study procedures or follow-up assessments
Where it's running
-
Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina - UNISUL
Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rafael Mariano Bitencourt, PhD
- Email: bitencourtrm@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 48 9 8833-6460
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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.