Cannabigerol (CBG), a lesser-known cannabinoid that is gaining traction, has shown promise in reducing anxiety in a clinical trial without causing the intoxication often linked with whole plant cannabis. According to recent research published in Scientific Reports, CBG may also have memory-enhancing properties.
In this study, Carrie Cuttler, an associate psychology professor at Washington State University, collaborated with colleagues to conduct the first human clinical trial examining CBG’s immediate effects on anxiety, stress, and mood.
The findings revealed that a dose of 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG significantly alleviated anxiety symptoms at 20, 45, and 60 minutes following ingestion in comparison to a placebo. Ratings of stress also diminished at the earliest measurement time compared to the placebo group. These results are consistent with earlier survey data from a study led by Cuttler, which found that 51% of CBG users take it to alleviate anxiety and 78% believe it surpasses traditional anxiety medications.
“CBG is rapidly gaining popularity, and more manufacturers are making bold, unverifiable claims about its effects,” Cuttler stated. “Our study is among the first to provide evidence supporting some of these assertions, aiming to better inform consumers and the research community.”
For this investigation, Cuttler’s team at WSU, together with researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, executed a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 34 healthy cannabis users. Participants participated in two sessions via Zoom, where they provided initial assessments of their anxiety, stress, and mood.
Following this, they ingested either 20 mg of CBG or a placebo tincture that had been sent to them in advance. Subsequently, participants reassessed their mood, stress, anxiety, and other factors such as feelings of intoxication and their overall satisfaction with the drug’s effects at three different time intervals post-ingestion. They also reported potential side effects, including dry eyes and mouth, increased appetite, heart palpitations, and drowsiness.
These sessions were repeated one week later, with participants receiving the alternate product before completing the same evaluations. This design ensured that neither the participants nor the research assistants knew which product was being administered.
One of the most unexpected observations was CBG’s influence on memory. Contrary to the established effects of THC on memory, participants exhibited improved word recall after taking 20 mg of CBG compared to when they received the placebo.
“We thoroughly verified our findings, and the enhancement in memory was statistically significant,” Cuttler noted.
Additionally, the research indicated that CBG did not lead to cognitive or motor impairments, or any other negative effects typically associated with THC, the active component in cannabis. Participants in the CBG group reported low levels of intoxication and only slight variations in symptoms like dry mouth, drowsiness, and appetite. In contrast to past self-reported surveys where users praised CBG’s antidepressant effects, participants in this study did not indicate substantial improvements in mood following CBG consumption.
Despite these encouraging results, Cuttler advises caution in interpreting them due to the study’s limitations. Factors such as the use of experienced cannabis users, the moderate CBG dosage, and the timing of assessments could have influenced the results. Furthermore, the remote format of the study conducted via Zoom and the absence of physiological data restrict the conclusions that can be drawn.
“We should refrain from asserting that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s exciting and new, but we need further research and replication,” Cuttler emphasized. “Ongoing investigations will enhance our understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety, potentially providing a new method for alleviating anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC.”
In the future, Cuttler and her team are working on a new clinical trial to replicate their findings and include physiological measurements like heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. They also intend to expand the research to include non-cannabis users and are planning a study on the effects of CBG on menopause symptoms in women.
