Cannabidiol reduces cigarette consumption in tobacco smokers: preliminary findings

Addict Behav. 2013 Sep;38(9):2433-6. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.03.011. Epub 2013 Apr 1.

Abstract

The role of the endocannabinoid system in nicotine addiction is being increasingly acknowledged. We conducted a pilot, randomised double blind placebo controlled study set out to assess the impact of the ad-hoc use of cannabidiol (CBD) in smokers who wished to stop smoking. 24 smokers were randomised to receive an inhaler of CBD (n=12) or placebo (n=12) for one week, they were instructed to use the inhaler when they felt the urge to smoke. Over the treatment week, placebo treated smokers showed no differences in number of cigarettes smoked. In contrast, those treated with CBD significantly reduced the number of cigarettes smoked by ~40% during treatment. Results also indicated some maintenance of this effect at follow-up. These preliminary data, combined with the strong preclinical rationale for use of this compound, suggest CBD to be a potential treatment for nicotine addiction that warrants further exploration.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage
  • Cannabidiol / pharmacology
  • Cannabidiol / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Pilot Projects
  • Placebos
  • Rats
  • Smoking / drug therapy*
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Prevention
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / prevention & control
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Cannabidiol