Marijuana-derived compounds could reverse opioid overdoses

There’s been a recent push in the U.S. to make naloxone—a fast-acting opioid antidote—available without a prescription. This medication has saved lives, but it’s less effective against powerful synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. In an interesting twist, researchers are now looking to cannabidiol (CBD), a component of marijuana, as a possible alternative to the popular antidote. Today, a team reports compounds based on CBD that reduce fentanyl binding and boost the effects of naloxone.

The researchers will present their results at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). ACS Spring 2023 is a hybrid meeting being held virtually and in-person March 26–30.

“Fentanyl-class compounds account for more than 80% of opioid overdose deaths, and these compounds aren’t going…