Mechanisms of CBD for Chronic Pain

Exploring the Mechanisms Underlying the Analgesic Properties of Cannabidiol Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

This is a study designed to examine the neurochemical mechanisms associated with Cannabidiol (CBD) versus placebo for chronic non-cancer pain.

The aim of this trial is to examine the neurochemical mechanisms associated with Cannabidiol (CBD) versus placebo for chronic non-cancer pain. Participants will include individuals with chronic pain, who will be randomized into one of two intervention conditions: low THC/high CBD or placebo. In addition to receiving CBD or placebo, participants also will complete symptom assessments of chronic pain data (intensity, quality, interference/disability) throughout the study. These measures will be gathered prior to and following the fifth doses (dosing will occur once per day for five days) of CBD or placebo. A secondary objective will be to examine the association between clinical and inflammatory markers.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18-50 yrs.
• Chronic musculoskeletal and joint pain for at least 3 months or longer.
• Participants must live within a 60 mile radius of Salt Lake City, Utah to be eligible.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or past neurological illness.
• Substance abuse or dependence within the prior 90 days.
• Contraindication to brain MRI.
• Type I and type II diabetes.
• Unstable medical conditions.
• Consumption of more than 2 drinks of alcohol per night.
• Current pregnancy or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• History of seizures or head trauma at PI discretion.
• Active or history of major mental illness
• Use of opioid medications in the past 30 days.
• LFT results 3 times greater than the upper limit of normal at the screening.
• Participants may be excluded if the PI feels they do not meet safety criteria.