Effects of Cannabidiol on Alcohol-Related Outcomes: A Review of Preclinical and Human Research

Increased access to medicinal and recreational cannabis will be accompanied by greater exposure to its chemical constituents, including Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta(9)-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the primary nonpsychoactive compound. Increasing attention has focused on CBD, in part, due to its potential therapeutic properties. Relatively little is known about how CBD might interact with other commonly used drugs. While a number of studies have explored the influence of cannabis or Delta(9)-THC on alcohol consumption and treatment outcomes, few have examined the effects of CBD on alcohol-related outcomes. This article reviews preclinical and human studies examining the effects of CBD administration on alcohol responses. Preliminary preclinical results suggest that CBD can attenuate alcohol consumption and potentially protect against certain harmful effects of alcohol, such as liver and brain damage. Also reviewed herein are the few existing studies involving CBD and alcohol coadministration in humans. The paucity of such studies precludes any definitive conclusions relating to CBD-alcohol interactions. Effects of CBD on alcohol use and potential therapeutic implications for alcohol use disorder are discussed. Public Health Significance With cannabis legalization comes increased availability and exposure to cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive component of cannabis. Preliminary preclinical findings suggest that CBD may protect against some of the harmful effects of alcohol, including excessive consumption, relapse, and organ damage. Currently, there are too few human studies to draw any inferences about CBD and alcohol interactions.