Dr. Hurd’s study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, found that cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating and non-addictive product of the hemp plant, can reduce craving and anxiety in people with heroin use disorder. These emotions continued to be reduced seven days after exposure, suggesting that the effects of CBD continue after the CBD is no longer present in the body. There were no significant effects on cognition, and no other serious adverse events. Dr. Hurd’s research team is working on two follow-up studies: one on the mechanisms of CBD’s effects on the brain, and the second to pave the way for the development of unique CBD medicinal formulations likely to become a part of the medical arsenal available to address the opioid epidemic. 

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