Can‌ ‌CBD‌ ‌Help‌ ‌Cocaine‌ ‌Use‌ ‌Disorder?‌

Cocaine misuse is a highly widespread disease in modern society which currently has no proven treatment. Millions of people from all walks of life across the world misuse cocaine (a powerfully addictive stimulant drug), and it can present a whole host of problems for both the user and society as a whole. The misuse of this dangerous drug has been coined “Cocaine Use Disorder” (CUD) – which is the condition whereby the individual keeps using cocaine, despite the cognitive and physical problems it might cause them.

In some populations, cocaine deaths outnumber heroin and opiate overdose deaths and it continues to be a global problem. Using cocaine excessively can lead to a systemic inflammatory response (a serious condition in which inflammation occurs throughout the whole body) which creates low blood pressure, fast heart rate and low or high white blood cell count. All of these can lead to organ failure and the body going into shock. 

A recent study has shown that CBD could be a promising tool in the management of cocaine abuse and can be beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The study was based on a randomised controlled trial of participants aged between 18-65 with CUD, for 92 days. The participants were given a daily dose of CBD oil (800mg) or a placebo, and bloods were taken to analyze the inflammatory markers afterwards. Following the study, the participants who had received the CBD were shown to have lower levels of interleukin (particularly important in stimulating immune responses, such as inflammation) among others.

Whilst more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions, this study suggests that CBD may display anti-inflammatory effects in individuals with CUD and could potentially help with cocaine misuse. Our scientific advisor Dr Heal speaks of how CBD has shown therapeutic potential in reducing neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain, so there is lots of research underway to explore the link to CBD and inflammation and we await the outcome of further studies with interest…