The 2026 LiBBY trial (Life's End Benefits of cannaBidiol and tetrahYdrocannabinol) tested a purified THC-plus-CBD oil for agitation in hospice-eligible people with late-stage dementia. Overall side effects matched placebo, but serious events were higher, so caregivers can ask about monitoring, interactions, and fit. The 12-week study enrolled 120 people with Alzheimer's or other dementia plus agitation, according to the Alzheimer's Association announcement. Results were presented July 14, 2026, at AAIC in London in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study across multiple centers.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What did the trial test and who joined?
- Did agitation improve?
- What safety results matter most?
- What can you ask the care team?
What did the trial test and who joined?
The study was led by USC Keck and coordinated through the NIA-funded Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium, with added Alzheimer's Association funding. It enrolled adults age 40 and older who were hospice-eligible and had dementia-related agitation. Care took place at home or in the residence, with visits across 10 U.S.
sites. Participants received a purified oral oil made by MediPharm Labs as T2:C100, described in the Pennington Biomedical Research Center summary. The target dose was 4 mg THC plus 200 mg CBD twice daily during weeks 2 through 12, versus matching placebo. Titration means the dose was raised step by step, not started at the full amount.
Did agitation improve?
Yes. Agitation scores fell more with THC/CBD than with placebo at two weeks. Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory scores dropped 10.61 points with THC/CBD versus 4.35 points with placebo (p=0.0004).
The Medical University of South Carolina shared that result in its summary via MIMS. Benefit was also reported at 12 weeks. That matters because agitation in late dementia can mean restlessness, shouting, or resisting care. A lower inventory score means fewer or milder behaviors, not a cure for dementia.
What safety results matter most?
Overall adverse events were similar: 46.7% with THC/CBD versus 42.4% with placebo. The Alzheimer's Association topline summary listed mainly infections and stomach or bowel issues as expected in an end-of-life group. Similar overall rates do not erase concern about severe events.
Serious adverse events over 12 weeks occurred in 23.3% on THC/CBD versus 11.9% on placebo. Investigators judged none of those serious events related to study drug, according to ScienMag in its report on the Pennington/AAIC topline. That judgment is exactly what families can ask the team to explain for their situation.
What can you ask the care team?
These are small Phase 2 topline results in 120 people near the end of life. They used a prescription-grade oil, not store or dispensary cannabis. There is no FDA approval, and a 12-week open-label extension is pending, according to the ClinicalTrials.gov trial record.
Bring these questions to the visit. They link trial details to your loved one's care. Bring a full drug, supplement, and allergy list plus recent infection and hospital notes. Ask who covers nights and weekends if agitation or side effects worsen.
- Is my loved one similar to the hospice-eligible adults age 40 and older in LiBBY?
- How would you monitor for infections and stomach or bowel issues?
- What current drugs or supplements raise interaction concerns?
- What change should prompt a call or dose review?
- What day-to-day calming supports should stay in place?
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