Study Finds CBD Reduces Both Acute and Inflammatory Pain, Including in Opioid-Dependent Subjects

OG article by Anthony Martinelli

February 27 2026

Research using 84 male rats tested CBD's antinociceptive effects on acute and inflammatory pain in morphine-dependent and non-dependent models. Dependence was induced over 14 days with escalating oral morphine. Pain was assessed via the formalin test (biphasic: acute early phase, inflammatory late phase), with intracerebral CBD doses (varying μg) given before injection. Open-field tests checked locomotor activity. CBD reduced pain dose-dependently in both phases, with peak effects at 100 μg and 200 μg, equally effective in dependent and non-dependent rats—indicating no tolerance or interference from opioid dependence. No changes in locomotion occurred, excluding sedation as a confound. These results position CBD as a promising non-opioid analgesic for pain management in opioid-dependent individuals, where traditional opioids may be problematic. The preservation of efficacy despite dependence suggests potential for adjunctive therapy in chronic pain scenarios involving opioid use. Further studies in humans are needed to translate these preclinical findings.