Examining the pharmacological and non-pharmacological influences of cannabidiol (CBD) on stress responsivity in healthy men and women

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid that is found in relatively abundant quantities in cannabis plants. In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in using CBD as a therapeutic agent, particularly for psychiatric conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, CBD does not possess intoxicating effects upon consumption, making it a more desirable compound for potential therapeutic application. Some research suggests that CBD's therapeutic benefits may be linked to its ability to dampen stress and/or anxiety. However, it is unclear whether these effects are driven by the drug itself and/or if expectation plays some role. There has been evidence to suggest that beliefs about a drug, such as expecting to feel a certain way, have strong influences over the actual effects experienced by individuals. Therefore, we plan to conduct a two-session experiment using a sample of healthy men and women. Participants will be told that they are receiving CBD oil during one session, and a CBD-free oil during the other. However, the product they will truly receive will be the same in both sessions - either CBD or CBD-free oil. In both sessions, participants will engage in a task to induce moderate levels of stress and anxiety. Participants' mood, stress, and anxiety will be measured using self-report questionnaires in addition to biological methods such as heart rate and cortisol levels. This research is a necessary first step in understanding how CBD works on stress and anxiety. It will therefore help guide the development of future studies with clinical populations, such as individuals with stress- or anxiety-related disorders. Ultimately, study findings will inform public health policy and CBD-use practices.