A review found that CBD has anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-emetic, and craving-reducing properties relevant to opioid withdrawal, and is well tolerated even alongside opioid agonists, but clinical evidence remains limited.
Addiction medicine specialists, detoxification program clinicians, and researchers designing opioid withdrawal treatment trials.
CBD addresses anxiety, pain, nausea, and cravings; safe with opioids
What the researchers found
CBD has been reported to have anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, and analgesic properties, plus reduction of cue-induced craving for opioids, all highly relevant to withdrawal symptoms. CBD is well tolerated with no significant adverse effects even when co-administered with potent opioid agonists.
Why it matters
Opioid withdrawal management remains a critical challenge. Insufficient withdrawal treatment leads to relapse and overdose. CBD as a non-addictive adjunctive treatment could fill an unmet need.
The numbers in context
144 abstracts identified, 41 articles selected. CBD properties relevant to withdrawal: anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-emetic, analgesic, craving reduction. Well tolerated with opioid co-administration.
How the study worked
Literature review using PubMed and Google Scholar for keywords related to CBD and opioid withdrawal. 144 abstracts identified, 41 articles selected where CBD was evaluated in clinical studies relevant to opioid withdrawal.
What this study cannot tell us
Most evidence from preclinical studies and small clinical trials. No large randomized controlled trials of CBD specifically for opioid withdrawal. Optimal dosing, timing, and duration unknown.
How to read the evidence
Review of 41 relevant articles but most evidence is preclinical or from small clinical studies.
When this study was published
Published in 2022.
The bigger picture
If CBD can address multiple withdrawal symptoms simultaneously (anxiety, pain, nausea, cravings) with minimal side effects, it could be a uniquely useful adjunct to standard detoxification protocols.
Questions still open
- What is the optimal CBD dose for opioid withdrawal management? Would CBD reduce the need for other withdrawal medications? Could CBD facilitate transition to maintenance medications?
Common questions
Can CBD help with opioid withdrawal?
Is it safe to take CBD while on opioids?
Read the original research
Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioid Medication Cannabidiol.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 569-581
Citation
Kudrich, Christopher; Hurd, Yasmin L; Salsitz, Edwin; Wang, An-Li. (2022). Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioid Medication Cannabidiol.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 569-581. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0089
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