Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 21 to 65

Using CBD to treat PTSD symptoms in adults

Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults Using Liquid StructureTM Formulation (NantheiaTM ATL5).

Run by University of Nebraska · NCT05269459 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether CBD can help adults with PTSD feel better and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment140 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Nebraska
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Omaha, Nebraska)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 2028
Study endsApril 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT05269459 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 21-65 who have a current diagnosis of PTSD and meet specific clinical criteria.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently using prescribed CBD products or with active suicidal ideation may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. It is a single-site, phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where participants will undergo a three-week baseline data collection period before receiving either the CBD formulation (Nantheia ATL5) or a placebo. Participants must meet specific diagnostic criteria for PTSD and have stable psychopharmacotherapy or psychotherapy for at least four weeks prior to enrollment. The study aims to assess the impact of CBD on self-reported quality of life and PTSD symptoms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel treatment option for individuals suffering from PTSD, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies exploring the use of CBD for various psychiatric conditions have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this approach for PTSD.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
* Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for duration of the study
* Aged 21-65 years
* Able to read and communicate in English
* Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use less than 3 days per week
* Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnostic criteria for a current diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the Mini-Mental State examination (MMS), with symptoms present for at least 1 month
* Clinician administered Clinical Assessment of Pragmatics (CAPs) score ≥27 at study enrollment and start of Cannabidiol (CBD) observation
* Stable psychopharmacologic and/or psychotherapeutic intervention for 4 weeks prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria

* Current use of prescribed or commercially available CBD products, including Epidiolex®
* Suicidal ideation (as defined by answer of "yes" to item 4 or 5 on the baseline Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or attempt within 6 months prior to enrollment)
* Cognitive impairment in the clinical judgment of the investigator that would impact ability to complete study assessments or confound study results (e.g., neurodegenerative condition or other)
* Meets criteria for substance or alcohol use disorder of moderate or greater severity within 6 months prior to study enrollment based on the Mini-Mental State examination (MMS); nicotine dependence permitted
* Self-reported cannabis use on \> 3 days/week starting 4 weeks prior to enrollment
* Positive urine drug screen for illicit substances other than cannabis
* Pregnant \[confirmed by serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test\], or breastfeeding
* Co-morbid medical conditions or concomitant treatments that may adversely impact ability to participate in the trial in the clinical judgment of the investigator \[e.g., significant immunosuppression due to active chemotherapy, recent organ transplant, uncontrolled diabetes, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 25ml/min or on dialysis, recent acute myocardial infarction (MI), Class IV heart failure, or taking any high-risk drugs for drug-drug interactions\]
* Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within 3 months prior to enrollment
* History of psychosis (schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or substance induced psychosis), active bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder diagnosed by a mental health professional
* History of open head injury
* Self-report of exposure to trauma within 30 days prior to enrollment
* Active military service in the 30 days prior to enrollment
* Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization within 6 months prior to enrollment
* Seizure in the last 6 months
* Use of concomitant anti-viral human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications (PrEP permitted)
* Index trauma before age 18 and no other traumatic experiences which could relate/identify as part of PTSD
* History of allergic reaction or significant adverse events (AE) related to cannabis, CBD, or THC
* Currently involved in events giving rise to PTSD
* Alanine transaminase (ALT)/Aspartate transaminase (AST)/Bilirubin \> 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN) at screening (abnormalities on the comprehensive metabolic panel or complete blood count deemed to be of clinical significance in the judgement of the investigator and clinical team will be evaluated in the clinical context of the participant's history and physical examination to determine eligibility and testing may be repeated if clinically appropriate at the discretion of the investigator)
* Refusal to use at least one form of birth control throughout study participation \[including, but are not limited to, male or female condoms, diaphragm, or cervical cap (all with or without spermicide) abstinence, or hormonal/implanted birth control, e.g., pill, injection, intra-uterine device (IUD), implant\] by participants who can become pregnant

Where it's running

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Matthew Rizzo, MD — University of Nebraska
  • Study coordinator: Brigette S Vaughan, MSN
  • Email: bvaughan@unmc.edu
  • Phone: 402-552-6239

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.