A groundbreaking study conducted by Washington State University (WSU) has revealed that Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known cannabinoid, can effectively reduce anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects typically associated with cannabis. The findings mark a significant step forward in cannabinoid research and potential therapeutic applications.
Key Takeaways
- CBG Reduces Anxiety: The study found that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG significantly reduced anxiety levels at multiple time points post-ingestion compared to a placebo.
- Stress Reduction: Participants also reported decreased stress levels shortly after taking CBG.
- Memory Enhancement: Surprisingly, CBG enhanced memory recall, a stark contrast to the memory-impairing effects of THC.
- Minimal Side Effects: Participants experienced low levels of intoxication and minimal adverse effects.
- Need for Further Research: The study’s limitations highlight the need for additional research to confirm these findings.
The Study Design
The research, led by Carrie Cuttler, an associate professor of psychology at WSU, was the first human clinical trial to investigate the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 34 healthy cannabis users who participated in two sessions conducted over Zoom.
Participants were given either 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture and were asked to rate their anxiety, stress, mood, and other variables at three different time points post-ingestion. The sessions were repeated a week later with the participants taking the alternate product.
Surprising Memory Benefits
One of the most unexpected findings was CBG’s effect on memory. Contrary to the memory-impairing effects commonly associated with THC, CBG significantly enhanced participants’ ability to recall lists of words. This finding was triple-checked for accuracy and found to be statistically significant.
Minimal Adverse Effects
The study also found that CBG did not produce cognitive or motor impairments, nor did it cause other adverse effects commonly linked to THC, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, or increased appetite. Participants reported low intoxication ratings and minimal changes in these symptoms.
Limitations and Future Research
While the results are promising, Cuttler cautions that they should be interpreted carefully due to several limitations. The study involved experienced cannabis users, a modest dose of CBG, and assessments conducted remotely via Zoom. These factors may have influenced the findings.
Future research will aim to replicate these results and include physiological measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. Cuttler and her team also plan to extend their research to non-cannabis users and explore CBG’s effects on menopause symptoms in women.
"We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial," Cuttler said. "Ongoing and future studies will help build a comprehensive understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety, potentially offering a new avenue for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC."
