A new study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that full-spectrum cannabidiol (CBD) containing trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may reduce alcohol cravings in individuals with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder (AUD), without causing significant side effects.
Researchers from the University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado conducted a randomized, eight-week trial with 44 participants assigned to receive either full-spectrum CBD (fsCBD, containing less than 0.3% THC), broad-spectrum CBD (bsCBD, with no THC), or a placebo. All products were commercially available and dosed at 150 mg of CBD per day.
The fsCBD group experienced significant reductions in alcohol craving, as measured by the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale, at both week 8 and week 16, while no such improvements were observed in the bsCBD or placebo groups. Those in the fsCBD group also showed a decline in failed attempts to control drinking and a decrease in harmful drinking scores.
No serious adverse events occurred, and both fsCBD and bsCBD were generally well tolerated. Reported side effects, such as dry mouth and sleep disturbances, were mild and transient. Liver function and sleep quality remained stable across all groups, and participants were unable to accurately guess which treatment they had received, supporting the validity of the study’s blind.
While the fsCBD group did not show a reduction in drinks per drinking day, researchers say the decrease in craving and symptoms suggests potential therapeutic value. They note that future studies with larger sample sizes and varied THC-CBD ratios are needed to further investigate the potential synergistic effect of small amounts of THC in managing AUD.
Researchers concluded that both fsCBD and bsCBD appear safe, but fsCBD in particular may offer benefits in curbing alcohol-related symptoms, encouraging further clinical research into cannabinoids as possible treatments for alcohol use disorder.
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