A groundbreaking clinical trial has revealed that Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known cannabinoid, significantly reduces anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects typically associated with cannabis. The study, led by researchers at Washington State University, marks the first human clinical trial to investigate CBG’s acute effects on mood and stress.
Key Takeaways
- Significant Anxiety Reduction: 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG reduced anxiety at 20, 45, and 60 minutes post-ingestion compared to a placebo.
- Stress Reduction: Stress levels decreased significantly at the first time point after CBG ingestion.
- Memory Enhancement: Contrary to expectations, CBG improved memory recall in participants.
- Minimal Side Effects: Participants reported low intoxication and minimal adverse effects.
- Need for Further Research: Researchers caution that more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The Study Design
The research team, led by Carrie Cuttler, an associate professor of psychology at Washington State University, conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 34 healthy cannabis users. The participants completed two sessions over Zoom, where they provided baseline ratings of their anxiety, stress, and mood.
Participants ingested either 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture mailed to them ahead of time. They then rerated their mood, stress, anxiety, and other variables such as feelings of intoxication and side effects like dry eyes, increased appetite, and sleepiness at three different time points post-ingestion.
Surprising Memory Benefits
One of the most unexpected findings was CBG’s effect on memory. Participants were able to recall more words after taking 20 mg of CBG compared to a placebo. This enhancement was statistically significant, a surprising outcome given THC’s known negative effects on memory.
Minimal Adverse Effects
The study found that CBG did not produce cognitive or motor impairments, or other adverse effects commonly associated with THC. Participants reported low intoxication ratings and minimal changes in symptoms like dry mouth, sleepiness, and appetite. However, contrary to previous surveys, participants did not report significant mood enhancement after taking CBG.
Future Research Directions
While the results are promising, Cuttler emphasizes the need for further research. The study’s limitations, such as the use of experienced cannabis users and the modest dose of CBG, suggest that more comprehensive studies are needed. Future research will include physiological measures like heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, and will extend to non-cannabis users.
Cuttler and her team are also planning a study on CBG’s effects on menopause symptoms in women, aiming to build a comprehensive understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety.
