A 2026 review examined whether cannabidiol (CBD) could have a therapeutic role in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Animal studies have produced some of the strongest evidence so far, with several showing that CBD reduced alcohol consumption, alcohol-seeking behavior, and relapse-like behavior. Researchers also found preclinical evidence that CBD may lessen some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and help protect against alcohol-related liver injury and neurodegeneration. These effects may involve the endocannabinoid system as well as pathways related to reward, stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage.

Human research, however, has been less consistent. Clinical trials using isolated CBD have generally not shown clear reductions in alcohol consumption, and findings related to alcohol craving and reward have been mixed. The review also noted early observational evidence suggesting that plant-derived CBD products containing small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids may be associated with reduced alcohol use and craving, but these findings have not yet been confirmed in randomized controlled trials. Differences in CBD dose, formulation, absorption, and cannabinoid content may help explain why human studies have produced different results.

The authors concluded that CBD remains a promising area of research for alcohol use disorder, particularly because of the strong preclinical evidence involving alcohol consumption, withdrawal, liver injury, and neuroprotection. At the same time, current human evidence is not strong enough to establish CBD as an effective treatment for AUD. More carefully designed clinical trials are needed to determine which formulations, doses, and patient groups may be most likely to benefit.

Source: Pince CL, Hetelekides E, Schacht JP, Gowin JL, Bidwell LC, Karoly HC. *Cannabidiol and Alcohol Use Disorders: An Updated Review of Therapeutic Potential*. *Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research*. 2026;50(9):e70377. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13549169/