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
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | April 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05269459 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
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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
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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.