Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has just been shown to be useful in combating stress and anxiety disorders, as it has been shown to reduce anxiety levels in a clinical trial with humans, without producing the adverse side effects associated with the whole cannabis plant. The results of the study have been published in Scientific Reports and suggest that it could even help improve memory.
Carrie Cuttler, associate professor of psychology at Washington State University, and her colleagues conducted the first human clinical trial evaluating the acute effects of CBG on anxiety, stress, and mood. The research revealed 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 time point compared to placebo. The findings align with survey data from a previous study led by Cuttler that found 51% of CBG users consume it to decrease anxiety, and 78% say its effectiveness exceeds that of conventional medications for treating anxiety.
“CBG is becoming increasingly popular, with more and more producers making bold, unsubstantiated claims about its effects,” Cuttler said. “Our study is one of the first to provide evidence supporting some of these claims, helping to inform both consumers and the scientific community.”
Positive effects of cannabigerol on memory
For the study, Cuttler’s team at WSU and colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles, conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental trial with 34 healthy cannabis users. Participants completed two sessions via Zoom during which they provided baseline ratings of their anxiety, stress and mood.
They then ingested either 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG or a placebo tincture that was mailed to them in advance, and then rerated their mood, stress, anxiety, and other variables such as how intoxicated they felt and whether they liked the way the drug made them feel at three different times after ingestion. They also reported on possible side effects such as dry eyes and mouth, increased appetite, heart palpitations, and drowsiness. The sessions were repeated a week later, with participants taking the alternative product before completing the same assessments. The design ensured that neither participants nor research assistants knew which product was being administered.
One of the most surprising results was CBG’s effect on memory. Contrary to expectations based on the known effects of THC on memory, CBG significantly improved the ability to remember lists of words. Participants were able to recall more words after taking 20 mg of CBG than after taking a placebo. “We triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the improvement was statistically significant,” Cuttler said.
CBG did not produce cognitive or motor impairments, or other adverse effects commonly associated with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Additionally, the study found that CBG produced no cognitive or motor impairments, or other adverse effects commonly associated with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Participants in the experimental group reported low intoxication rates and minimal changes in symptoms such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and appetite. Unlike previous self-report surveys in which users touted the antidepressant effects of CBG, participants in the current study reported no significant mood improvement after taking CBG.
While the research is promising, Cuttler cautions that the results need to be interpreted carefully due to the study’s limitations. The use of experienced cannabis users, the modest dosage of CBG, and the timing of the assessments could have influenced the findings. Additionally, the remote nature of the study—via Zoom—and the lack of physiological measurements further limit the conclusions.
“We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It is new and exciting, but replication and future research is crucial,” Cuttler said. “Ongoing and future studies will help develop a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and safety of CBG, potentially offering a new avenue for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC.”
The team is designing a new clinical trial to replicate their findings and include physiological measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. They also plan to expand the research to non-cannabis users. Additionally, Cuttler is planning a study on the effects of CBG on menopausal symptoms in women.
