The effect of cannabidiol on neurometabolite levels in alcohol use disorder

Preclinical research demonstrates that cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates alcohol-seeking behaviour and may have a neuroprotective effect against adverse alcohol consequences on the brain. This preliminary clinical study aimed to examine the effect of CBD on modulating neurometabolites in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Twenty-two non-treatment seeking participants were randomized to receive 800 mg CBD or matched placebo/day in a crossover double-blind, randomized trial. Presence of GABA+, NAA, Glx, Cho, and glutathione (GSH) in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was measured using in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in each session.

There were no significant treatment effects across each of the neurometabolites (p's ≥ .28) but post hoc analyses revealed significant treatment effects when considering recent alcohol consumption. Specifically, CBD sessions were associated with significantly higher GSH (P < .001) and GLx (p = .001) concentrations relative to placebo sessions for participants who consumed alcohol the previous day while this effect was not observed in those who were abstinent. Similarly, GABA concentrations were significantly higher during CBD sessions and lower during placebo sessions for participants who consumed alcohol the previous day and this relationship was not observed for individuals who were abstinent the previous day (P = .0024).

The effect of CBD on modulating levels of neurometabolites may be contingent on recent alcohol consumption. These preliminary results suggest that CBD may regulate abnormal neurometabolite concentrations the day following alcohol consumption and thus may have a role in management of AUD.