Why THC & CBD?

THC/CBD and the LiBBY Study

LiBBY Study researchers are studying the possible benefits of a specific THC and CBD combination for the treatment of agitation in hospice-eligible patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Studies have shown that the combination of THC and CBD can result in an improvement of a variety of symptoms that patients suffer from in the very late stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Agitation is common in people at end-of-life stages in dementia and often leads to higher rates of unpleasant events, including falls. In particular, when treated with medications such as benzodiazepines, morphine, and antipsychotics.

The LiBBY Study is examining whether a combination of THC and CBD may be a safer alternative to managing agitation in people with dementia at end-of-life stages.

Evidence Supporting the Use of THC and CBD

Possible benefits of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, for treatment of specific medical conditions is evidenced by recent actions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2018, the FDA approved the use of CBD developed from Cannabis for the treatment of some forms of epilepsy. Three synthetic forms of THC have been approved by the FDA for the management of nausea and appetite: Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone).

The LiBBY Study is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will be developed in compliance with the FDA as well as federal and local regulations.