NCT06940674 · Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Adjunctive Cannabidiol for Recovery From Opioid Study
(ACROS)
What this study is about
The long-term goal of the project is to determine whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce craving and relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The first phase of this project was an open cross-over design study in healthy individuals to confirm the safety and how the drug moves through the body (PK) effects of CBD (BSPG CBD; Brains Bioceutical).
View original scientific description
The long-term goal of the project is to determine whether cannabidiol (CBD) can reduce craving and relapse in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). The first phase of this project was an open cross-over design study in healthy individuals to confirm the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) effects of CBD (BSPG CBD; Brains Bioceutical). The second phase was a double-blinded randomized controlled trial to determine whether CBD reduces craving and anxiety in individuals with OUD maintained on opioid agonist therapy. This phase 3 trial will determine whether CBD can serve as a potential adjunct treatment to reduce illicit opioid use in individuals with OUD maintained on opioid agonist therapy.
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
- Individuals between 18 and 65 years old.
- Ability to understand and give informed consent.
- Current opioid use disorder (OUD) or OUD in remission while on maintenance therapy with OAT, as determined by DSM-5 with the M.I.N.I. interview (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview).
- Current opioid agonist maintenance treatment with methadone or buprenorphine for at least 14 days prior to consent. With the following more specific criteria for each of these two medications:
- Current methadone maintenance treatment with a dose of ≥ 10mg/day, (maximum: 250mg/day), AND urinary toxicology positive for methadone and 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP).
- Current buprenorphine maintenance treatment with a dose of ≥ 2mg/day (maximum: 32mg/day), AND urinary toxicology positive for buprenorphine.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants who are non-English speaking.
- Psychiatric conditions under DSM-5 (examined with the MINI) that would make study participation unsafe, or which would prevent adherence to study procedure; examples include: suicidal (i.e. high risk for suicide on the Columbia suicide severity rating scale (C-SSRS) screen version) or homicidal ideation requiring immediate attention, inadequately-treated mental health disorder (e.g., active psychosis, uncontrolled bipolar disorder).
- Current diagnosis of a severe substance use disorder (except for opioid and nicotine/tobacco) in the past 3 months, based on the MINI interview, that would preclude safe participation in the study as determined by the study medical clinician.
- Signs of acute drug intoxication when arriving at the study site as determined by clinician assessment.
- Medical or psychiatric contraindications for CBD administration (e.g., history of hypersensitivity to cannabinoids); or any of the ingredients in the product (gelatin or sesame oil).
- Showing signs of acute opioid withdrawal symptoms (as determined by the result of the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS). A Score of ≥ 5 or as interpreted by the investigator will be considered a positive result for withdrawal symptoms).
- Have a medical condition that would make study participation unsafe, which would make treatment compliance difficult, or would prevent adherence to study procedure. This includes but is not limited to the following criteria: • \< 30mL/min/1.73m2 eGFR. •QTc Fridericia \> 500ms at screening. •Elevated liver enzymes at screening. The exclusionary lab values are: \>4x the upper limit of normal (ULN) per laboratory criteria for AST or ALT or \>1.5x ULN for bilirubin.
- Participating in another pharmacotherapeutic trial in the past 3 months.
- Participants who have used (within 14 days prior to consent) or plan to use (during the 24-week treatment period) any medications, dietary supplements (and/or grapefruit juice), or combination of medications and supplements known to alter the metabolism of, or interact with CBD (buproprion, rifampin, barbiturates, phenothiazines, cimetidine, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, etc.).
- For women: being pregnant (positive urine test for pregnancy) or breastfeeding.
- Not using an appropriate method of contraception such as hormonal contraception (oral hormonal contraceptives, Depo-Provera, Nuva-Ring), intrauterine device (IUD), sterilization, or double barrier method (combination of any two barrier methods used simultaneously, i.e. condom, spermicide, diaphragm).
- Participants who have been court mandated to attend treatment centers
Where
- New York, New York
- Portland, Oregon
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 Dec 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations