The goal of the proposed project is to begin rigorous study of the clinically relevant
effects of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) in patients with severe
alcohol use disorder (AUD). This double-blind, randomized proof-of-concept study (n = 40) is
designed to assess feasibility and contrast effects of extended (8 weeks) treatment with CBD
to those of placebo in AUD patients. Participants with AUD will be randomized to receive
either placebo or 600mg CBD/day (PO) for 4 weeks, immediately followed by 1200mg CBD/day (PO)
for an additional 4 weeks (8 total weeks). These doses were chosen to reproduce serum CBD
levels reported to reduce alcohol-seeking behavior in animal studies. Measures will include
circulating levels of CBD, safety measures (THC serum levels, adverse events, cognitive and
motoric function), and physiological and psychological domains relevant to AUD (including
self-reported craving, depression, and anxiety, and responses to personalized scripts
designed to elicit stress- and cue-induced craving and anxiety). Assessments will be
conducted following 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks of treatment with each dose of CBD vs.
placebo, and 1 and 4 weeks after the cessation of treatment. Drinking outcomes across 8 weeks
of treatment and 4 weeks of follow-up will also be assessed as an exploratory outcome.