Renowned neuroscientist Yasmin Hurd talks about her research on the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) as a non-addictive, effective treatment option to combat opioid addiction on the TEDMED platform.
The cannabis plant has over 140 cannabinoids and one of them is Cannabidiol (CBD).
Addictive properties are absent in CBD. It is known to alter chemicals in the brain that regulate emotions and anxiety.
As a part of her study, animal models with a history of self-administering heroin were given CBD. Heroin- seeking behavior, which was triggered by environmental cues previously associated with the drug reduced.
Most often memories of the cues associated with drug use in the past trigger the craving. This can lead to death from overdose or relapse. Thus, the reduction of craving is an important treatment strategy.
Dr. Hurd and her team’s first human study revealed that CBD is safe inspite of the fact, the people consuming it had consumed a potent opioid too.
They conducted clinical trials and made sure that both the study investigators and study participants, were blind to the CBD or the placebo substances. The results were similar to the findings they got from the animal experiments.
Cravings that trigger from environmental cues among humans consuming heroin can be reduced by CBD. Anxiety is a vital factor in triggering craving and CBD reduces anxiety related to drug use.
Stress hormone cortisol levels that rise among addicted individuals after getting exposed to drug use can be reduced by CBD. Craving and anxiety get decreased by CBD even a week after its final use. This prolonged effect is extremely beneficial to people taking any medication.
Large clinical trials will help to get definitive information about CBD’s full clinical safety and efficacy. Dr. Hurd believes that the potential benefits of developing a non-addictive FDA approved medication for opioid use disorder are obvious and overwhelming.