Washington study finds 'new' cannabis product helps stress, anxiety

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A clinical trial by researchers at Washington State University found that a lesser-known cannabinoid that’s growing in popularity can help ease anxiety without the intoxication that’s usually associated with cannabis products.

This marks the first human clinical trial to investigate the acute effects of Cannabigerol, or CBG, on anxiety, stress, and mood, the university said, noting the cannabis derivative may also enhance memory.

“CBG is becoming increasingly popular, with more producers making bold, unsubstantiated claims about its effects,” said Carrie Cuttler, WSU associate professor of psychology. “Our study is one of the first to provide evidence supporting some of these claims, helping to inform both consumers and the scientific community.”

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For the study, Cuttler’s team – along with scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles – conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 34 healthy cannabis users.

Trial participants ingested either 20 milligrams of a CBG tincture mixed with water or took a placebo mailed to them ahead of time. Participants completed two Zoom sessions in which they rated their anxiety, stress, mood, feelings of intoxication and if they liked how the drug made them feel at different points post-ingestion.

The sessions were repeated one week later with participants taking the alternate product.

Researchers found that 20 milligrams of CBG significantly reduced feelings of anxiety 20, 40, and 60 minutes after ingestion compared to a placebo and also reduced stress.

These findings align with data from a previous WSU study that found 51% of CBG users consume the product to reduce anxiety, and 78% of survey respondents said CBG is superior to conventional anxiety medications.

The latest study also led to a "surprising outcome," WSU said.

The study found CBG enhanced the participant's ability to recall lists of words. According to researchers, the participants were able to recall more words after taking the CBG dose than after taking the placebo.

“We triple-checked to ensure accuracy, and the enhancement was statistically significant,” Cuttler said.

Additionally, the study found CBG did not lead to cognitive or motor impairments that are usually associated with THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.

Study participants reported potential side effects including dry eyes and mouth, heart palpitations, and sleepiness.

Compared to previous self-report surveys in which users described CBG’s antidepressant effects, the participants in this study did not report significant mood enhancement after taking CBG.

Even though the research is “promising,” Cuttler warned the results should be carefully interpreted because of the study’s limitations – noting the use of experienced cannabis users, the modest CBG dose, and the timing of assessments might have influenced the findings.

“We need to avoid claims that CBG is a miracle drug. It’s new and exciting, but replication and further research are crucial,” Cuttler said. “Ongoing and future studies will help build a comprehensive understanding of CBG’s benefits and safety, potentially offering a new avenue for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress without the intoxicating effects of THC.”

Next, the WSU team is designing a new clinical trial to replicate their findings and are including physiological measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels.

They also plan to expand the trial to include non-cannabis users, and to study CBG’s effects on menopause symptoms.