On Jul. 31, 2024, researchers at Washington State University (WSU) announced that the cannabigerol (CBG) effectively reduced anxiety in a clinical trial without the intoxication typically associated with whole plant cannabis. The study results were published in Scientific Reports. 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 the first time point compared to the placebo.

For the study, Carrie Cuttler, an associate professor of psychology at Washington State University, and colleagues conducted the first human clinical trial investigating 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 the first time point compared to the placebo. The findings align with survey data from a previous study led by Cuttler that indicated 51% of CBG users consume it to decrease anxiety, with 78% asserting its superiority over conventional anxiety medications.

The sessions were repeated a week later with the participants taking the alternate product prior to completing the same assessments. The design ensured that neither the participants nor the research assistants knew which product was administered.

One of the most surprising outcomes was CBG’s effect on memory. Contrary to expectations based on THC’s known effects on memory, CBG significantly enhanced the ability to recall 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 enhancement was statistically significant,” Cuttler said.

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 in the experimental group reported low intoxication ratings and minimal changes in symptoms like dry mouth, sleepiness and appetite. Contrary to previous self-report surveys where users touted CBG’s antidepressant effects, the participants in the current study did not report significant mood enhancement after taking CBG.

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. The participants completed two sessions over Zoom during which they provided baseline ratings of their anxiety, stress and mood.

While the research is promising, Cuttler cautions the results should be interpreted carefully due to the study’s limitations. The use of experienced cannabis users, the modest dose of CBG and the timing of assessments might have influenced the findings. Additionally, the study’s remote nature, conducted via Zoom, and lack of physiological measurements further constrain the conclusions.