Headshot of Beth Wiese

Beth Wiese
Research and Overdose Prevention Coordinator
The Sidewalk Project
SPEAKER
SCIENCE

Cannabidiol to Mitigate Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression

Introduction: Opioids continue to be the cause of a US public health emergency, accounting for more than 1,000,000 overdose fatalities since 1999, but are unrivaled in their analgesic efficacy. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that does not alter breathing on its own, has mitigated morphine and fentanyl induced respiratory depression in mice. In this study, we investigated CBD vaping effects on breathing following opioid administration of methadone and hydrocodone in opioid-dependent human subjects.

Methods: Respiratory recordings using bluetooth enabled respiration belts were utilized to collect breathing behavior from human subjects for 10 minutes before and after oral methadone or hydrocodone consumption, and 20 minutes following 2-3 puffs of CBD inhalation at 10mg per puff. Data on baseline breathing behavior was gathered prior to opioid and CBD consumption to obtain pre-post outcome data on respiratory depressive effects.

Results: Breathing behavior following methadone or hydrocodone consumption shows no difference in depth of respiratory depression. Following CBD inhalation of 20mg or 30mg, breathing behavior returned to baseline levels.

Learning Objectives: 

  • CBD vaping was effective at returning opioid-induced respiratory depressive effects of two regulated opioids back to baseline levels

  • CBD vaping may be a novel prevention to fatal overdose from opioids
BIO
My expertise as a scientist built on my prior lived experience navigating chaotic Opioid Use in St Louis, Missouri, on the stolen land of Osage, Missouria, and Illini Confederacy peoples. My training in neuroscience, pharmacology, psychology, philosophy, and the mechanisms of breathing took place across multiple degrees and institutions, including training at Washington University in St Louis, the University of Missouri - St Louis, and earning a PhD at the University of Arizona, located on the ancestral homelands of the O'odham and Yaqui peoples. During this same time, co-leading a grassroots harm reduction non-profit, Church of safe injection Tucson or CoSIT for short. My work aims to influence future drug policy with novel evidence-based research that also advocates and empowers people who use drugs to feel safe and prevent fatal overdose. After completing my post-doctoral studies at UCLA, my current work takes place at The Sidewalk Project in Los Angeles which both reside on the ancestral and current homelands of the Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash peoples. As an academic, I recognize that my work is built on a foundation of both modern scientific advancements and ancient intellectual traditions. I pay respect to the Elders, past and present, of these Nations and am committed to learning how my work can contribute to a more just and equitable future for all of its peoples, specifically those who use drugs, engage in sex work, and have survived the systems of oppression masked in racism and the war on drugs.

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