Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the Brain

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

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Folium Biosciences

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• FutureCeuticals

  collaborator UNKNOWN

• Auburn University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Jennifer L Robinson, Ph.D. · Auburn University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

21 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-07-15

Primary Completion

2022-05-15

Completion

2023-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations