# Introduction A new study published on the journal Addiction Neuroscience suggests that cannabidiol may help prevent the heightened behavioral response associated with the combined use of cocaine and caffeine. The research indicates that this protective effect occurs because cannabidiol influences the activity of specific genes related to the structure and organization of brain cells in the reward system. # Context Cocaine dependence represents a significant public health challenge with few effective pharmaceutical treatments available. In the illicit drug market, cocaine is frequently mixed with other active substances to increase profits or alter the drug’s effects. Forensic data indicates that caffeine is one of the most common adulterants found in seized cocaine samples. # Results of the experiment The scientific team sought to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms that allow cannabidiol to counteract these enhanced effects. They specifically looked at how cannabidiol affects gene expression in the brain when an animal is exposed to this drug mixture. José Pedro Prieto from the Department of Experimental Neuropharmacology, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and colleagues conducted the study. # Methodology The team used a combination of behavioral and genetic analyses to investigate the effects of cannabidiol on gene expression in the brain. They found that the extracellular matrix, a complex network of proteins and lipids that provides structural support to cells, plays a critical role in modulating the response to cocaine and caffeine. # Conclusion The study suggests that cannabidiol may help prevent the development of addiction by modulating the activity of genes involved in the extracellular matrix. This could provide a new target for the development of novel treatments for addiction.