Cannabidiol in Opioid Use Disorder and Chronic Pain

This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over human laboratory study with a duration of approximately 3 weeks, during which participants will come to the testing site for a total of five times: one initial screening session, and four experimental sessions where study medication, Cannabidiol (CBD) will be administered, separated by at least 72 hours to limit carryover effects.

Twenty two male and female (ages 18-70) participants with comorbid opioid use disorder (OUD) and non-cancer chronic pain for at least 6 months, currently receiving methadone or buprenorphine, will be enrolled. Prior to their daily methadone or buprenorphine dose and thus at trough plasma levels of opioid, participants will receive oral CBD (400 mg, 800 mg, 1200 mg) or placebo. Subsequently, all participants will undergo laboratory testing of opioid-related outcomes. Pain sensitivity will be measures including the well-validated Cold Pressor Test (CPT), Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST), the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and a pain Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Attentional bias and cue-induced opioid craving will be measured using a visual probe task and the Heroin Craving Scale (HCQ-14). Negative affect will be measured using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Cognitive performance will be measured by a comprehensive cognitive battery that includes the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT). The order of study medication administration will be counterbalanced order to minimize carryover effects. On the initial screening day and at the end of medication treatment, blood will be drawn to determine serum drug levels. Participants will be thoroughly evaluated by a physician prior to discharge on each experimental session. One week after the last study medication dose, participants will be conducted by phone for a follow-up session.

Inclusion Criteria: Males and females, Veterans and non-Veterans, aged between 18 and 70 years old. Diagnosed with OUD and currently enrolled in methadone or buprenorphine maintenance treatment. Having chronic pain, uniformly operationalized as grade II (high-intensity) non-cancer musculoskeletal pain for ≥ 6 months 49 Capable of providing informed consent in English. Compliant in opioid maintenance treatment and on a stable dose for two weeks or longer. Not meeting DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders other than OUD or tobacco use disorder within the last 12 months. No current medical problems deemed contraindicated for participation by principal investigator. For women, not pregnant as determined by pregnancy screening; not breast-feeding; using acceptable birth control methods. Exclusion Criteria: Other current major psychiatric disorders deemed clinically unstable by the principal investigator, such as severe depression and/or active suicidal ideation. Having experienced major psychosocial stressors recently (≤ 6 weeks before enrollment), at the discretion of the principal investigator. Having received inpatient psychiatric treatment recently (≤ 60 days before enrollment). A study physician will determine if participants receiving products containing THC or CBD products may participate in the study. Current use benzodiazepines or platelet inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel, apixaban, ticagrelor). Current weight of less of 60 kg.