Opioid Overdoses May Be Reversible With Cannabis-Derived Compounds

Researchers are exploring the potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a component of marijuana, as an alternative to naloxone, a rapid-acting opioid antidote that is less effective against strong synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. CBD-based compounds have been found to reduce fentanyl binding and enhance the effectiveness of naloxone, reported the American Chemical Society.

Scientists at Indiana University Bloomington have developed CBD-based compounds that could be a potential substitute for naloxone, the only drug currently available to reverse opioid overdoses.

They have identified 15 CBD-based derivatives that can reduce fentanyl binding and boost the effects of naloxone, with two of them showing a synergistic effect when combined with naloxone. Narcan, a nasal spray version of naloxone, was recently approved by the FDA to be sold over the counter.

The team has begun testing these derivatives in mice to determine whether they can alter behaviors associated with taking fentanyl.

"Fentanyl-class compounds account for more than 80% of opioid overdose deaths, and these compounds aren't going anywhere—it's just too much of an economic temptation for dealers," says Alex Straiker, Ph.D., the project's co-principal investigator. "Given that naloxone is the only drug available to reverse overdoses, I think it makes sense to look at alternatives."

Researchers will present their findings at the American Chemical Society Spring 2023 meeting, which is held virtually and in person from March 26-30.

Rats Experience Reduced Opioid Cravings With CBD

A previous study, published in Addiction Neuroscience suggests that CBD may also have the potential to reduce opioid cravings in rats, reported High Times.

A group of researchers from Washington State University and Legacy Research Institute in Portland conducted a study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of vaporized CBD in female rats. Researchers sought to determine whether high-CBD whole-plant extract (WPE) could reduce tolerance and enhance the pain-relieving effects of morphine.

Inhalation of high-CBD cannabis has some limited effectiveness in reducing pain caused by non-painful stimuli. The study supports the idea that THC is the primary analgesic component of inhaled cannabis. However, cannabis may still have the potential in reducing opioid use and drug-seeking behavior.

The researchers suggested more systematic research is needed to fully understand the potential of CBD as an additional treatment for opioid use disorder.

Photo by Pharmacy Images on Unsplash.