PleoPharma to Present New Cannabis Withdrawal Research at CPDD 2026

PleoPharma has announced that it will present two scientific posters at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) 88th Annual Scientific Meeting, taking place from June 13 to June 17, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.

The presentations will focus on cannabis withdrawal in adults living with cannabis use disorder (CUD). The company will share findings from a patient-reported outcomes study as well as new clinical data from its Phase 2 CAN-002 trial evaluating PP-01, an investigational oral treatment designed to help manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

The research comes at a time when there are still no FDA-approved therapies available for cannabis withdrawal or cannabis use disorder, leaving a significant treatment gap for patients seeking help.

Understanding the Real Impact of Cannabis Withdrawal

One of the posters will present results from a qualitative study that explored how people with cannabis use disorder experience withdrawal symptoms.

The study included 15 adults and examined the severity, timing, and day-to-day impact of withdrawal symptoms after reducing or stopping cannabis use. Researchers found that withdrawal symptoms can develop quickly and create meaningful challenges for patients trying to quit cannabis.

According to the findings, symptoms often affect emotional wellbeing, daily functioning, and overall quality of life, making recovery more difficult for many individuals.

Ashley Slagle, Chief Clinical Outcome Officer and consultant on the project, said the study provides important insight directly from patients about how cannabis withdrawal affects their lives.

She noted that capturing the patient perspective helps researchers better understand the burden of withdrawal and highlights the need for effective treatment options.

Phase 2 Trial Shows PP-01 Reduced Irritability Symptoms

The second presentation will highlight results from the Phase 2 CAN-002 clinical trial, which evaluated PP-01 in patients experiencing cannabis withdrawal.

Researchers focused on irritability and angry outbursts, which are among the most common and disruptive withdrawal symptoms reported by individuals with cannabis use disorder.

The trial results showed that patients receiving the high-dose version of PP-01 experienced a statistically significant 43% reduction in irritability compared with placebo during Days 2 through 5 of treatment. Researchers also observed a dose-response relationship, suggesting that higher doses produced greater benefits.

The CAN-002 trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05494437.

Company Sees Potential for a New Treatment Option

PleoPharma believes the latest findings add to the growing evidence supporting PP-01 as a potential treatment for cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

Ginger Constantine, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, and Chairperson of the Board at PleoPharma, said the results strengthen the company’s confidence in PP-01 and its ability to address an area where patients currently have very few treatment options.

She added that the company remains focused on advancing the program and bringing a new therapeutic option to individuals affected by cannabis use disorder.

PP-01 Aims to Become a First-in-Class Therapy

PP-01 is being developed as a once-daily oral medication for patients experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis use disorder.

The investigational therapy works through a dual mechanism of action. It targets suppressed CB1 receptors while also addressing neurotransmitter imbalances within the brain’s mesolimbic reward pathway, which plays an important role in addiction and dependence.

According to the company, PP-01 is designed to provide a rapid onset of action while maintaining a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

The treatment has now advanced into Phase 3 development and could become the first approved therapy specifically developed to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

Cannabis Use Disorder Remains an Unmet Medical Need

Cannabis use disorder continues to affect a growing number of people worldwide. While many individuals attempt to reduce or stop cannabis use, withdrawal symptoms can make the process challenging.

Common symptoms include irritability, mood changes, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and strong cravings. These symptoms can increase the risk of relapse and make long-term recovery more difficult.

Despite the growing prevalence of cannabis use disorder, there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically designed to treat cannabis withdrawal, making ongoing research in this area particularly important.

About PleoPharma

PleoPharma is a clinical-stage development company focused on addiction medicine and cannabis-related health conditions.

The company is working to develop treatments for cannabis addiction and other health issues linked to cannabis use. Its leadership team and board members have extensive experience in drug development, including participation in more than 50 worldwide product approvals and over 100 Investigational New Drug (IND) programs.

Through its ongoing clinical programs, PleoPharma aims to address unmet needs in addiction treatment and provide new options for patients seeking recovery support.

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