COLORADO, USA — Colorado pioneered legalized weed. Now, researchers are trying to find ways to help people who want to cut back.

University of Colorado Boulder researchers are investigating whether cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants, can help people reduce or eliminate their dependency on marijuana.

They launched their study this year.

The research, led by Cinnamon Bidwell, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, addresses what she calls “one of the biggest myths out there [is] that you can’t become addicted to or dependent on cannabis.”

“We do know that cannabis use is addictive,” Bidwell said. “You can develop a problematic pattern of cannabis use that we characterize as cannabis use disorder. So that means using much more than you think, withdrawal symptoms, some of those characteristic tolerance and physical dependence symptoms…”

CU Boulder says the $3 million study is funded by the National Institutes on Drug Abuse. Researchers are recruiting 150 heavy cannabis concentrate users who want to reduce their consumption or quit entirely. Participants will receive eight weeks of remote psychotherapy sessions, educational support and daily doses of either hemp-derived CBD alone, CBD with minimal THC (less than 0.03%) or a placebo.

The research focuses on a growing public health concern: CU says as many as one in five cannabis users develop dependency on the drug, with rates increasing as products become more potent. Unlike treatments available for nicotine, alcohol and other substances, few remedies exist for those seeking to reduce cannabis use.

“We are trying to address that with our study,” Bidwell said. “We’re trying to look at specifically folks who are using cannabis concentrates and want to either reduce or cut down on their use. So not requiring that people abstain completely, people have different individualized goals with their cannabis use.”

Bidwell’s previous research found that users of cannabis concentrates, which can contain up to 90% THC compared to about 20% in flower products, face higher risks of dependency. When attempting to cut back, these users often experience withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, sleeplessness and loss of appetite.

The study examines whether CBD, which is non-intoxicating and non-addictive, can ease withdrawal by acting on the same brain receptors — CB1 and CB2 — that THC targets. Because CBD alters how THC interacts with these reward-related sites, it may reduce cravings. The compound’s anti-inflammatory properties and influence on serotonin levels could also help alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Bidwell’s team is only using commercially-available CBD products in this study.

“We’re only interested in testing products that people could actually purchase and use. We have a huge value in that piece of the real-world evidence,” she said.

The study is still recruiting, hoping to have about 150 participants over the next two years. To find out more information about eligibility and requirements, visit the study’s website.