The CANabidiol Use for RElief of Short Term Insomnia

This is a double-blind, randomised, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study of 8 weeks of oral CBD at 50 or 100 mg per day versus placebo in 198 participants with insomnia symptoms as classified by an Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 8-21. Participants will be recruited voluntarily and are able to withdraw at any time. The study will be conducted online with telehealth consults where required.

Inclusion criteria

• Male and females aged 18-65 years old, inclusive.
• Females must be non-pregnant, non-lactating.
• Proficient in English and have internet access and a mobile phone.
• Insomnia symptoms as classified by an Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 8 - 21 and have experienced these symptoms over the past month at pre-screening.
• Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
• Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
• All male and females of childbearing potential must agree to use two forms of effective contraception from the time of signing informed consent until 30 days after study completion.

Exclusion criteria

• Serious medical and/or psychiatric illnesses/disorders that will require treatment during the trial period.
• The use of any drug known to affect sleep during the study one week prior the randomization, including:

• Sedatives (benzodiazepines, Z drugs, agomelatine, suvorexant, sodium oxybate, sedating antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, antipsychotics, melatonin, valerian).
• Opioids (e.g. morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone, buprenorphine, fentanyl, tramadol, tapentadol, hydromorphone).
• Stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, modafinil, phentermine).
• Excessive caffeine use (defined as > 600mg caffeine or approximately 6 cups of caffeinated beverages a day) that, in the opinion of the medical doctor, contributes to the participant's insomnia.
• Excessive alcohol use (defined as per NHMRC guideline, i.e. no more than four standard drinks per day on average for men, and for women, no more than two).
• The use of cannabinoids or a cannabinoid-based medicine within 3 months prior to study Day 1 and unwillingness to abstain from recreational drug use during the study period.
• Cannabis dependence or any other drug or alcohol dependence within the past two years.
• Positive urine drug screen (e.g., amphetamines type substances, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, and opiates) at screening or Day -1 or a history of drug abuse within the past 2 years.
• Known hypersensitivity to cannabis-based products or any of the excipients in the study drug.
• Use of any investigational drug or involvement in another clinical trial within 30 days of screening day.
• Use of anti-coagulant drugs such as warfarin or those known to be metabolised by CYP450 enzymes.
• Current or ongoing treatments for insomnia (e.g. cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and CNS-active drugs).
• Obstructive sleep apnoea determined by the MAPI questionnaire or other self-reported sleep disorders.
• Medical conditions that result in frequent sleep disturbance (e.g. nocturia).
• History of attempted suicide in the past 12 months.
• Clinically significant hepatic abnormalities determined by the screening blood test.
• Shift work, jet lag or trans-meridian travel (two time zones) in the past month.