NCT04831294

Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the Brain

• Status: Unknown
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 15 (actual)
• Sponsor: Auburn University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 21 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid that is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It is derived from the hemp plant, and may treat conditions like pain, insomnia, and anxiety. CBD is a critical component of medical marijuana and does not cause the "high" typically associated with cannabis. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has shown no evidence of abuse or dependence potential. However, to the investigator's knowledge, there have not been many acute clinical studies to characterize the effects of CBD in the brain. Despite the rapid influx in CBD readily available to the public, very little is known about such effects. Some studies have shown alterations in resting state connectivity, while others have described changes in specific regions of the brain, or in networks associated with various cognitive functions. For example, CBD has been shown to increase fronto-striatal connectivity and reduce mediotemporal-prefrontal connectivity, suggesting that CBD may affect brain regions involved in salience processing. Unfortunately, few studies have examined CBD in isolation. Additionally, several studies have suggested that CBD may have a neuroprotective effect when it comes to individuals at high risk for psychiatric conditions. In this study, the investigators propose an acute administration, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which 100% THC-free CBD will be compared to placebo (https://foliumbiosciences.com/). To the investigator's knowledge, the acute effects of this specific product have not been tested. Specifically, the investigators will examine: 1) the neurometabolic and neurophysiological effects of CBD compared to placebo and 2) the behavioral effects of CBD on measures of working memory and response inhibition. Participants will be recruited to take encapsulated, THC-free CBD provided by Folium Biosciences, in which they will have a pre- and post-ingestion scan. Each participant will have a 72-hour washout period after which they will be asked to come back for a placebo scan (however, the order will be counterbalanced so that equal numbers of participants will receive placebo/supplement and supplement/placebo). Individuals will be randomized into the supplementation group, as well as the order.

Conditions

• CBD
• Fear
• Inhibition

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Cannabidiol	Administered orally. Participants will place the liquid in their mouth for 45 seconds before swallowing it.
DRUG	Placebo	Administered orally. Participants will place the liquid in their mouth for 45 seconds before swallowing it.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-07-15
• Primary completion: 2022-05-15
• Completion: 2023-12-31
• First posted: 2021-04-05
• Last updated: 2023-08-16

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States