A pilot RCT found full-spectrum CBD (with small amounts of THC) reduced alcohol craving in people with moderate-to-severe alcohol use disorder, while broad-spectrum CBD without THC did not.
Addiction medicine researchers, AUD patients exploring alternatives, CBD product developers
Full-spectrum CBD (with trace THC) reduced alcohol craving; broad-spectrum (no THC) did not
What the researchers found
Among 44 participants with AUD randomized to full-spectrum CBD (with trace THC), broad-spectrum CBD (without THC), or placebo for 8 weeks, full-spectrum CBD reduced craving and AUD symptoms relative to both broad-spectrum CBD and placebo. Both CBD products were well tolerated with no significant differences in side effects.
Why it matters
Alcohol use disorder has limited treatment options. If CBD can reduce craving, especially the full-spectrum form with trace THC, it could fill a major gap in AUD pharmacotherapy.
The numbers in context
N=44 (13 full-spectrum, 15 broad-spectrum, 16 placebo). 8-week treatment. Full-spectrum CBD reduced craving but not drinks per drinking day. No significant side effect differences across groups.
How the study worked
Preliminary randomized trial of 44 adults with moderate-to-severe AUD, comparing 8 weeks of full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD (no THC), and placebo on drinking, craving, and safety outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small pilot study not powered for definitive conclusions. Cannot determine optimal CBD dose. Commercial CBD products may vary in quality. Short 8-week duration. No long-term follow-up.
How to read the evidence
Randomized controlled design but very small pilot sample limits conclusions. Replication needed.
When this study was published
2025 pilot RCT exploring a novel use of CBD for alcohol use disorder.
The bigger picture
The finding that full-spectrum (with THC) outperformed broad-spectrum (without THC) CBD suggests the trace THC component may be important, supporting the "entourage effect" hypothesis.
Questions still open
- Is the trace THC essential for the anti-craving effect? What is the optimal CBD dose for AUD? Would longer treatment reduce actual drinking, not just craving?
Common questions
Can CBD help with alcohol addiction?
Does it matter if CBD contains THC?
Read the original research
A preliminary randomized trial of the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol in alcohol use disorder.
Frontiers in psychiatry, 16, 1516351
Citation
Mueller, Raeghan L; Hooper, Jake F; Ellingson, Jarrod M; Olsavsky, Aviva K; Rzasa-Lynn, Rachael; Bryan, Angela D; Bidwell, L Cinnamon; Hutchison, Kent E. (2025). A preliminary randomized trial of the safety, tolerability, and clinical effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol in alcohol use disorder.. Frontiers in psychiatry, 16, 1516351. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1516351
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