Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2/3

Cannabidiol as an Adjunct Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal and Craving

United States105 participantsStarted 2026-08-01

Plain-language summary

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis (marijuana) has been shown to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms in laboratory animals. In people without alcohol use disorder (AUD), CBD has been show to be effective in reducing anxiety, sleep problems, and seizures; all of these are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. This randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial will evaluate the potential of CBD to improve alcohol withdrawal symptoms and reduce craving during acute abstinence among individuals with moderate-to-severe AUD. Adult participants with moderate-to-severe AUD will be admitted to an inpatient research unit at the Johns Hopkins Hospital for a 5-day, 4-night stay that includes alcohol abstinence with management of their alcohol withdrawal. In addition to standard care, participants will receive CBD or placebo (no CBD), complete assessments of withdrawal, sleep quality and provide breath and blood samples.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria * Meets DSM-5 criteria Moderate or Severe Alcohol Use Disorder * Age 21-65 * Report at least one prior episode of alcohol withdrawal symptoms at least one day in duration that caused significant impairment in functioning (i.e., unable to attend work or engage in typical activities) AND/OR required medications to manage symptoms. * Drinking at least 8 drinks a day over the two weeks prior to screening. * Negative human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on qualitative urine pregnancy screen * Shipley vocabulary score \> 18, corresponding to 5th grade reading level. * Demonstrated understanding of informed consent and ability to consent to participation in the study. Exclusion Criteria * Current or past alcohol-related medical complications including but not limited to cirrhosis of the liver, esophageal varices, pancreatitis, severe gastritis, hemoptysis, hematochezia, or melena. * Use of gabapentin, benzodiazepines, or other sedative-hypnotic medications within the week prior to admission * Regular use (e.g., more than twice a week) of cannabis or CBD products. * Regular use of benzodiazepines (e.g., twice a week or more) within the last three months * Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate-to-severe substance use disorder (SUD), including Cannabis Use Disorder (except for alcohol and tobacco) * Urine drug screen indicating the presence of substances other than cannabis at screening. * Unstable and/or compromising medical or psychiatric conditions that would interfer…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Peak score on the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (AWSC)

Timeframe: Four times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)

Peak score on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar)

Timeframe: 4 times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)

Average total sleep time (minutes) and wake after sleep onset as measured by wrist actigraphy

Timeframe: 4 nights during inpatient stay

Peak alcohol craving as measured by scores on the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (AUQ)

Timeframe: Four times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07148843

SponsorJohns Hopkins University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2030-10

Contact for this trial

David Woliinsky, MD

(410) 550-0047 dwolins2@jhmi.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Peak score on the Alcohol Withdrawal Symptom Checklist (AWSC)

Timeframe: Four times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)

Peak score on the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar)

Timeframe: 4 times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)

Average total sleep time (minutes) and wake after sleep onset as measured by wrist actigraphy

Timeframe: 4 nights during inpatient stay

Peak alcohol craving as measured by scores on the Alcohol Urge Questionnaire (AUQ)

Timeframe: Four times daily during inpatient stay (4 nights)