CBD shows potential as an add-on treatment for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- CBD addresses anxiety, pain, nausea, and cravings; safe with opioids
- Evidence Grade:
- Review of 41 relevant articles but most evidence is preclinical or from small clinical studies.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2022.
- Original Title:
- Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioid Medication Cannabidiol.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 7(5), 569-581 (2022)
- Authors:
- Kudrich, Christopher(2), Hurd, Yasmin L(21), Salsitz, Edwin(2), Wang, An-Li
- Database ID:
- RTHC-03984
Evidence Hierarchy
Summarizes existing research on a topic.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD help with opioid withdrawal?
CBD has properties (anti-anxiety, pain relief, anti-nausea, craving reduction) that align with opioid withdrawal symptoms, and it appears safe alongside opioids. However, large clinical trials are still needed.
Is it safe to take CBD while on opioids?
Several clinical trials reported in this review found CBD to be well tolerated with no significant adverse effects when co-administered with potent opioid agonists.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-03984APA
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
MLA
Kudrich, Christopher, et al. "Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioid Medication Cannabidiol.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0089
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Adjunctive Management of Opioid Withdrawal with the Nonopioi..." RTHC-03984. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/kudrich-2022-adjunctive-management-of-opioid
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.