A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known compound found in cannabis, may effectively reduce anxiety and stress without causing intoxication. The research, conducted by Washington State University, marks the first human clinical trial investigating CBG’s acute effects on anxiety, stress, and mood.
Promising Results for Anxiety and Stress Reduction
The study found that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG significantly reduced feelings of anxiety at 20, 45, and 60 minutes after ingestion compared to a placebo. Stress ratings also decreased at the first time point. These findings align with previous survey data indicating that 51% of CBG users consume it to decrease anxiety, with 78% claiming it’s more effective than conventional anxiety medications.
Dr. Carrie Cuttler, associate professor of psychology at Washington State University and lead researcher, commented on the significance of the study: “CBG is becoming increasingly popular, with more producers making bold, unsubstantiated claims about its effects. Our study is one of the first to provide evidence supporting some of these claims, helping to inform both consumers and the scientific community.”
The double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 34 healthy cannabis users who completed two sessions over Zoom. Participants ingested either 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture and rated their mood, stress, anxiety, and other variables at multiple time points.
Unexpected Memory Enhancement and Minimal Side Effects
One of the most surprising outcomes was CBG’s effect on memory. Contrary to expectations based on THC’s known effects, CBG significantly enhanced participants’ ability to recall lists of words. Dr. Cuttler noted, “We triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the enhancement was statistically significant.”
Furthermore, the study found that CBG did not produce cognitive or motor impairments, or other adverse effects commonly associated with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Participants reported low intoxication ratings and minimal changes in symptoms like dry mouth, sleepiness, and appetite.
Why it matters: The potential of CBG to reduce anxiety and stress without causing intoxication could offer a new avenue for mental health treatment. This is particularly significant given the growing prevalence of anxiety disorders and the limitations of current pharmaceutical options.
However, Dr. Cuttler cautions against overstating the results: “We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial.” The study’s limitations, including the use of experienced cannabis users, the modest dose of CBG, and the remote nature of the trial, underscore the need for additional research.
The findings contrast with previous self-report surveys where users touted CBG’s antidepressant effects, as participants in this study did not report significant mood enhancement after taking CBG. This discrepancy highlights the importance of controlled clinical trials in validating anecdotal claims.
As interest in cannabinoids grows, this research provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic applications of CBG. The compound’s ability to reduce anxiety without impairing cognitive function or causing intoxication could make it an attractive alternative to both traditional anxiety medications and THC-containing cannabis products.
Future research directions include replicating these findings with physiological measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, as well as extending the research to non-cannabis users. Additionally, Dr. Cuttler plans to investigate CBG’s effects on menopause symptoms in women.
As the scientific community continues to explore the potential benefits and risks of cannabinoids, this study marks an important step in understanding CBG’s role in mental health treatment. It also underscores the need for rigorous scientific investigation to validate the claims surrounding emerging cannabis-derived compounds.
