Feasibility of cannabidiol for the treatment of long COVID
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Safety and tolerability of full spectrum cannabidiol dominant medicinal cannabis in treating symptoms associated with long COVID: A feasibility study
IRAS ID
302479
Contact name
Elizabeth Iveson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bod Healthcare Ltd
Eudract number
2021-004534-11
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Long COVID is a common outcome after infection with the SARS-COV-2 virus and the need for treatment and ongoing support for people experiencing long COVID has been increasingly recognised, including through the establishment of dedicated treatment units within the NHS. While symptoms – and their severity – may vary greatly between individuals, some of the common symptoms associated with long COVID include fatigue, breathlessness, pain and sleep disturbances. In this study we will test the feasibility of a broad spectrum cannabidiol dominant formulation (Medicabilis) for treating these symptoms in people with a diagnosis of long COVID. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, and it is being increasingly used in the treatment of symptoms which are similar to those associated with long COVID. Additionally, there is some evidence that cannabidiol may be effective in reducing inflammation associated with COVID infection. Together, this evidence suggests that it is possible that CBD may be an effective treatment for people diagnosed with long COVID. We will therefore conduct a feasibility trial in which 30 people are prescribed CBD dominant medical cannabis. Patients will take this medication daily for five months. We will collect monthly self-report assessments of common symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue, mood, cognition and pain and real-time data on heart rate, physical activity and sleep using wearable technology. We will also collect daily self-report assessments of key symptoms (mood, pain, fatigue and breathlessness) via a smartphone app. Our study will establish whether it is feasibe to recruit and retain patients with a diagnosis of long-COVID into a trial of CBD. We will also monitor whether there are any side effects to assess the safety and tolerability of medicinal cannabis. Our results will determine the feasibility of medicinal cannabis in the treatment of long COVID and whether it is safe to use.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0223
Date of REC Opinion
11 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion