Preclinical data shows that CBD may reduce nicotine dependence

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CV Sciences, Inc. (San Diego, CA), in collaboration with researchers from the University of California, San Diego, published a preclinical study demonstrating the efficacy of chronic cannabidiol (CBD) treatment in reducing nicotine dependence using measures of withdrawal symptoms.

“We are very pleased with the outcome of the research completed in collaboration with UC San Diego, which further validates our years of investment and hard work,” said Joseph Dowling, CEO of CV Sciences, in a press release. “This study marked a key milestone in CV Sciences’ smokeless tobacco addiction treatment R&D efforts and further extends our potential product development opportunities to commercialize the world’s first and only FDA-approved treatment for smokeless tobacco addiction to address a huge unmet medical need and global health issue.”

In the animal study, rats dependent on nicotine and experiencing withdrawals were treated with CBD. Treatment prevented the animals from exhibiting withdrawal symptoms, including increased pain sensitivity and weight gain, during short- and long-term nicotine restriction. 

This study follows the company’s formal Notice of Issuance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in May 2020 for its patent application for a proprietary CBD and nicotine formulation that treats smokeless tobacco addiction by administering pharmaceutical formulations containing CBD and nicotine. CV Sciences has also filed corresponding patent applications that will allow the company to seek similar patent protection in other key markets throughout the world.

Reference

1. Smith LC et al. "Cannabidiol reduces withdrawal symptoms in nicotine-dependent rats." Psychopharmacology, vol. 238 (2021): 2201-2211