NCT05613608 · University of Colorado, Denver
Alcohol Use Disorder and Cannabidiol
What this study is about
This is a where neither patients nor doctors know which treatment is given, compared against an inactive treatment, parallel group study designed to assess the effectiveness of full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD, compared to a placebo control (PC), to reduce drinking in participants with alcohol use disorder.
View original scientific description
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study designed to assess the efficacy of full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD, compared to a placebo control (PC), to reduce drinking in participants with alcohol use disorder. If eligible for the study, subjects will be randomized to receive one of the conditions for 12 weeks.
Interventions
DRUG
Cannabidiol
The current study will directly test the hypothesis that a moderate dose of CBD leads to a reduction in alcohol consumption, alcohol craving, peripheral markers of inflammation, and anxiety.
DRUG
Placebo
Placebo arm.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Drinks per Drinking Day
Time frame: 0-12 weeks
The Time Line Follow Back is a calendar-assisted measure that can be used to assess alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substance use. The investigators will use this measure to create the Drinks per Drinking Day variable.
Change in Alcohol Use Disorder
Time frame: 0-12 weeks
The AUDIT consists of ten questions that cover such domains as alcohol consumption, drinking behavior, adverse psychological reactions, and alcohol-related problems.
Change in Alcohol Craving
Time frame: 0-12 Weeks
The Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) will be used to assess changes in alcohol craving.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must be ≥21 years old.
- Meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V) criteria for current Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) of at least moderate severity (i.e., 4 or more DSM-V symptoms).
- Expresses desire to reduce or quit drinking.
- If male, reports drinking, on average, at least 15 standard alcoholic drinks per week prior to screening; if female, reports drinking, on average, at least 10 standard drinks per week prior to screening, or if a male respondent reports consuming 5 or more alcoholic drinks on at least one drinking day per week on average (4 or more if female).
- Able to attend in-person visits at the study site.
- Participants reporting current nicotine use in any form will be included.
Exclusion criteria
- Self-reported DSM-V diagnosis of any other substance use disorder.
- Self-report illicit/recreational use of cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, MDMA, opioids, or benzodiazepines in the last 30 days.
- Uses CBD products for medical reasons.
- Self-reports or indicates having a serious DSM-V psychiatric disorder, including panic disorder, obsessive/compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, cluster B personality disorders (borderline, antisocial, histrionic, narcissistic), eating disorders, or any other psychotic mental disorder.
- Endorsing item 2 on the C-SSRS measure of suicide risk.
- Currently taking any of the following medications:
- Those known to have a major interaction with Epidiolex.
- Acute treatment with any antiepileptic medications.
- Medication known to affect alcohol intake (e.g., disulfiram, naltrexone, acamprosate, and/or topiramate).
- Self-reported history of severe alcohol withdrawal (e.g., seizure, delirium tremens).
- Clinically significant medical problems in the last six months, such as cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, or endocrine problems, that would impair participation or limit medication ingestion.
- Current or past alcohol-related medical illness, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, hepatocellular disease, or peptic ulcer.
- Females of childbearing potential who are pregnant, nursing, or who are not using a reliable form of birth control.
- Current charges pending for a violent crime (not including DUI-related offenses).
- Lack of a stable living situation.
- Lack of access to internet.
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
Collaborators
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations