CBD prevented cocaine relapse and reversed cocaine-induced hyperactivity and memory problems in mice

CBD (30-120mg/kg) did not produce rewarding effects on its own and did not affect cocaine reward acquisition, expression, or extinction. However, when given during the extinction phase, CBD at 30 and 60mg/kg prevented priming-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking. CBD also abolished cocaine-induced hyperactivity without affecting normal movement. At 120mg/kg, CBD reduced memory deficits from cocaine withdrawal but did not reverse depressive-like symptoms.

Three studies in male C57BL/6J mice: (1) conditioned place preference for cocaine reward and relapse; (2) cocaine-induced locomotor stimulation; (3) cocaine withdrawal symptoms (memory and depression tests). CBD doses: 30, 60, and 120mg/kg injected intraperitoneally.

Cocaine addiction has no FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. CBD preventing relapse to cocaine-seeking (the most clinically relevant finding) without producing its own reward signal is a promising therapeutic profile.

The selectivity of CBD effects is notable: it did not interfere with cocaine reward itself but specifically prevented relapse after abstinence. This suggests CBD might be most useful as a maintenance treatment during recovery rather than during active use.

Mouse model. Intraperitoneal administration. High doses relative to body weight. Cannot assess subjective craving. Male mice only. Short-term testing.