Thirty-three clinical trials are testing GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide for substance use disorders, mostly focused on alcohol and tobacco, with zero trials targeting cannabis.
Addiction researchers, people interested in GLP-1 drugs, and anyone following developments in substance use disorder treatment.
33 trials for addiction; 0 for cannabis
What the researchers found
A systematic review of ClinicalTrials.gov found 33 trials testing GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use disorders: alcohol (n=15), nicotine/tobacco (n=9), cocaine (n=4), opioid (n=4), and methamphetamine (n=1). No trials are investigating cannabis use disorder. Semaglutide was the most studied agent (n=15).
Why it matters
The explosion of interest in GLP-1 drugs for addiction reflects growing evidence that the brain's appetite and reward circuits overlap. The complete absence of cannabis-specific trials is notable given that no FDA-approved treatment for cannabis use disorder exists.
The numbers in context
192 records screened, 33 met criteria. Agents: semaglutide (15), exenatide (8), tirzepatide (6), liraglutide (2), dulaglutide (1), pemvidutide (1). Zero trials for cannabis use disorder.
How the study worked
Systematic search of ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2025, identifying trials using GLP-1 receptor agonists as interventions for substance use disorders with substance use outcomes.
What this study cannot tell us
Only registered trials were included; results are not yet available for most. The review captured trial design and registration, not efficacy outcomes. Selection bias in which substances receive research attention.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review of registered clinical trials, but most trials are ongoing and results are not yet available.
When this study was published
2026 review with search through July 2025.
The bigger picture
GLP-1 drugs are already transforming obesity and diabetes treatment. If they prove effective for substance use disorders, it would represent a paradigm shift in addiction medicine. However, most trials use older agents, and standardized endpoints are lacking.
Questions still open
- Why are there no GLP-1 trials for cannabis use disorder despite having no FDA-approved treatments? Will next-generation GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide show stronger effects than older agents?
Common questions
Can Ozempic treat drug addiction?
Why is there no trial for cannabis addiction?
Read the original research
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in substance use disorders: A systematic review of ClinicalTrials.Gov.
Addictive behaviors reports, 23, 100671
Citation
Patil, Shruti; Jha, Nandini; Jha, Manish K. (2026). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in substance use disorders: A systematic review of ClinicalTrials.Gov.. Addictive behaviors reports, 23, 100671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2026.100671
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