A recent feasibility study conducted at UNSW Sydney suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may be effective in alleviating cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The study, which took place within a 6-night inpatient detoxification program, explored the safety and acceptability of CBD in reducing self-reported withdrawal symptoms.
Study Design and Methodology
The study employed a single-subject repeated measures design. Eight participants were assessed at baseline, then given CBD, and reassessed at multiple time points: day 3 and day 7 of detox, as well as 28 days post-admission. The intervention consisted of 300mg of CBD on day 1, followed by 300mg of CBD twice daily on days 2-5, and 300mg of CBD on day 6 for five participants. The remaining three participants received 600mg twice daily. Daily completion of the Cannabis Withdrawal Scale was also part of the assessment.
Key Findings
The study found that CBD was both acceptable and safe for the participants. Notably, no adverse events were reported, even at the higher dose of 1200mg/day. These findings suggest that CBD could be a viable option for managing cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
Implications and Future Research
These data provide support for funding submissions for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The researchers are currently preparing the findings for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and have presented them at national and international conferences. Further research is needed to confirm these initial findings and to determine the optimal dosage and administration of CBD for cannabis withdrawal management.
