Smoking Cessation clinical trials at UCLA

The goal of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in reducing cigarette smoking. Although there are safe and effective treatments for smoking cessation, not everyone who attempts smoking cessation is successful, even with these treatments. Relapse rates are high, leaving a need for new approaches. Despite justification to evaluate CBD for this indication, human research on the topic is scant. Larger, more extended studies are warranted and essential. We will recruit participants from CRI-Help, Inc., a substance abuse treatment program in North Hollywood, where residents who indicate the desire to stop smoking are prohibited from using other cannabis products which would affect recruitment. The aims of this study are: 1. Evaluate the effects of CBD on reduction of cigarette use. The primary endpoint will be reduction in cigarette use, indexed by self-reported cigarettes/day and plasma cotinine. The secondary endpoint will be abstinence from smoking, indexed categorically by self-report and confirmed biochemically by expired carbon monoxide (CO) during the last 2 weeks of the trial. 2. Evaluate CBD effects on participant retention. The primary endpoint will be retention in the trial, indicated by number of days that participants continue in the trial. Secondary endpoints will be nicotine dependence and withdrawal (measured weekly on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and Minnesota Withdrawal Scale, respectively), and mood states (measured weekly on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 screener). 3. Exploratory Aims. Measure CBD and endocannabinoids. Plasma concentrations of CBD, N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), will be measured at baseline and at specified times throughout the trial. The primary endpoint will be CBD plasma level. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will take part in a 56-day treatment phase during which they receive the study medication under supervision (CBD or placebo twice daily) and complete questionnaires on side effects, withdrawal, craving and mood symptoms. Blood, breath, and urine tests will also be performed throughout the study. Participants who complete the treatment will also be assessed at 1-month and 3-month follow up visits.

Financial incentives for motivating changes in health behavior, particularly for smoking and other morbid habits, are increasingly being tested by health insurers, employers, and government agencies. However, in using incentive programs for smoking cessation, key unanswered structural and theoretical questions remain regarding their effectiveness, acceptability to patients, and economic sustainability. This trial aims to advance the science and implementation of financial incentives for smoking cessation interventions among high-risk, hospitalized smokers. The investigators will pursue two specific aims: 1) comparing the impact of three approaches for smoking cessation on smoking abstinence, use of evidenced-based therapy, and quality of life and 2) comparing the short-term and long term return on investment of using goal directed and outcome-based financial incentives to promote smoking cessation.