Anxiety, Anxiety Chronic, Anxiety Disorders, Anxiety Generalized, Inflammation, Inflammatory Response
Conditions
Keywords
anxiety, inflammation, cannabis, marijuana, stress
Brief summary
This study investigates whether the anxiolytic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis vary as a function of the ratio of CBD to THC, with the goal that these effects may shed light on the mixed data linking cannabis use and anxiety. Individuals with mild to moderate anxiety who elect to use cannabis (smoked flower or edible) will complete four weeks of observation. Participants complete cognitive tasks, a substance use history, health questionnaires concerning sleep and physical activity, and a blood draw at four different time points (Baseline, after 2 weeks of cannabis use, and immediately before and after self-administration after 4 weeks of use) with the use of a mobile pharmacology laboratory, which goes to a convenient location for each participant to self-administer their cannabis. Participants are then followed for five months to self-report on cannabis use, anxiety, subjective cognitive functioning, sleep quality, and other mental health symptoms.
Detailed description
Marijuana use is on the rise with the number of adults reporting medical and recreational use doubling in the past decade. Among adult medical marijuana users, 39% report using marijuana for the purposes of self-treating or coping with anxiety. Marijuana is approved for medical use in over half the states and is gaining traction for use as an off-label add-on therapy for treatment-resistant anxiety and stress-related disorders. Paradoxically, however, while data suggest that marijuana, in particular ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), increases anxiety acutely, cross sectional and longitudinal data suggest associations between marijuana use and lower risk for anxiety disorders. There is some evidence demonstrating that marijuana use is associated with increases in acute anxiety and anxiety disorders. However, other data suggests that marijuana use may be protective for adolescents at-risk for anxiety and decrease the chances of developing an anxiety disorder during college. This finding is consistent with a growing body of evidence from animal models suggesting that marijuana has anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. Clarifying the anxiolytic effects of specific strains that differ in their cannabinoid composition may explain these discrepant findings. Thus, regardless of whether results support or refute the anxiolytic properties of marijuana, findings from this study fill a critical void and can inform public perception. The study goal is to understand the anxiolytic effects of cannabinoids, in particular the effects of THC-based strains vs. CBD-based strains vs strains containing both THC and CBD in different ratios (1:0, 1:1, or 0:1) on inflammation, cognitive functioning, and anxiety/negative affect. This design will capitalize on the novel opportunity to examine the effects of real world marijuana strains on key outcomes.
Interventions
Self-Directed Use (ad-libitum)
Sponsors
Study design
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria
* Non-users of cannabis must have been a non-user of cannabis for at least six months * If a user of cannabis, at least one episode of lifetime cannabis use and a desire to use cannabis to cope with anxiety. * Reports at least mild to moderate anxiety (≥5 on GAD-7)
Exclusion criteria
* Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder * Current use of other drugs (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine) * Current use psychotropic or steroid-based medications * Has an immune-relevant disease (e.g. HIV) * Daily tobacco user * Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant * In treatment for psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder or major depression disorder with suicidal ideation; or a history with these disorders.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | Change in inflammation from before to after cannabis use will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. The sum concentration of the cytokines IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and TNFα, which are generally regarded as pro-inflammatory, will be utilized. The range for these values can be from 0 to infinity. Higher values indicate higher (worse) levels of inflammation. |
| Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC). | This was administered only once, at the 4 week timepoint, asking participants to reflect on how much change they had experienced over the past 4 weeks. | Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC) measures self-reported change on a 1-7 scale (i.e. from 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much improved) in anxiety. Changes in this measure will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. Scale possible score range 0-7, with higher scores indicating the largest amount of possible change. |
| Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. Scores for Depression, Anxiety and Stress are calculated by summing the scores for the relevant items. Changes in DASS subscale self-report will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. For this aim, only the Anxiety subscale was used. Anxiety subscale score range 0-42 Normal 0-6; Mild 7-9; Moderate 10-14; Severe 15-19; Extremely severe 20-42 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. For this aim, only the Depression subscale was used. Depression subscale score range 0-21 Normal (0 to 4), Mild (5 to 6), Moderate, (7 to 10), Severe (11 to 13), Extremely Severe (14 and above) |
| Health and Wellbeing | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | Self-report measure across primary domains of diet, assessment of sleep quality, and health-related well-being. Each domain was assessed with the following single items: Diet: In general, how healthy is your overall diet? Would you say (response options 0- excellent; 1- very good; 2- good; 3- fair; 4- poor) Sleep Quality: During the past 2 weeks, how would you rate your sleep quality overall? (response options 0- very good; 1- fairly good; 2- fairly bad; 3- very bad) Health Related Wellbeing: In general, how would you describe your health? (response options 0- excellent; 1- very good; 2- good; 3- fair; 4- poor) |
| Objective Physical Activity/Exercise | 4 weeks | Physical activity via objective daily data on wearable watch as measured by average minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). |
| Physical Activity/Exercise | 4 weeks | Physical activity via subjective self-report data using the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical item with 6 item responses (L-CAT; 1-6). Scores are reported as a mean between 1 and 6, larger numbers correspond to higher levels of activity. |
| Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. For this aim, only the Stress subscale was used. Stress subscale score range 0-33 Normal (0 to 14), Mild (15 to 18), Moderate, (19 to 25), Severe (26 to 33) |
| Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | Motor control assessed via dynamic sway, proprioception, and finger tapping rate. Motor outcomes can be aggregated via Z-score to reflect a Z-score of overall motor function. We calculated the sum of Motor Battery Balance (Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, and Head Back) z-scores. A score of 0 means a participant's balance is at the mean for the sample. Higher scores (scores greater than 0) correspond to worse balance compared to the sample. Scores lower than 0 indicate better balance compared to the sample. |
| Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration) | Co-outcomes testing multiple domains of thinking, memory, and perception (NIH Toolbox), cognitive impairment in the domains of immediate and delayed recall (ISLT), attention and inhibitory control (FICA). Cognitive outcomes are measured in standard scores (e.g. Range of \>70 to \>140 (Mean of 100 and SD of 15) with higher scores indicating better performance) and can be averaged to reflect a Standard score of overall cognitive function. |
| Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | Acute change in affect from before the negative affect induction task to post-breathing | Participants reported levels of negative affect on a novel scale from -50 (worst) to +50 (best) while undergoing a guided rumination to induce negative affect. |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | One survey per day for 30 days (at the start of the 4 week study) | Brief self-report from participants on anxiety and sleep in the past 24 hours. These are all 1-item novel questions in a daily, text based survey. Anxiety and sleep are on a scale of 1-10, with higher numbers being more anxiety or better sleep. Score is an average rating over 30 days. |
| Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | 5 months (post-study completion) | Self-report from participants on anxiety (DASS anxiety subscale), sleep (novel sleep quality question ranging from 1-10 and 10 being best sleep), subjective cognitive functioning (perceived cognitive ability from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function scale as was already reported in secondary measures- see for full description), and general health health (novel health question as was also reported in secondary measures- see for full description). |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Non-Use No use of cannabis | 42 |
| THC Group Participants used THC dominant products | 86 |
| CBD Group Participants used CBD dominant products | 92 |
| THC+CBD Group Participants used products with roughly equivalent proportions of THC and CBD | 80 |
| Total | 300 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Non-Use | THC Group | CBD Group | THC+CBD Group | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Continuous | 35.3 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.4 | 31.3 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.7 | 29.5 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.9 | 32.3 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.5 | 31.6 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.2 |
| Anxiety: DASS 21 | 9.38 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.71 | 10.14 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.69 | 10.46 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.29 | 10.14 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.69 | 10.11 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.86 |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Hispanic or Latino | 4 Participants | 7 Participants | 5 Participants | 4 Participants | 20 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Not Hispanic or Latino | 38 Participants | 79 Participants | 87 Participants | 76 Participants | 280 Participants |
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) Unknown or Not Reported | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants | 0 Participants |
| Region of Enrollment United States | 42 participants | 86 participants | 92 participants | 80 participants | 300 participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 27 Participants | 50 Participants | 47 Participants | 45 Participants | 169 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 15 Participants | 36 Participants | 45 Participants | 35 Participants | 131 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk | EG002 affected / at risk | EG003 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 42 | 0 / 86 | 0 / 92 | 0 / 80 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 42 | 0 / 86 | 0 / 92 | 0 / 80 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 42 | 0 / 86 | 0 / 92 | 0 / 80 |
Outcome results
Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).
The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. Scores for Depression, Anxiety and Stress are calculated by summing the scores for the relevant items. Changes in DASS subscale self-report will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. For this aim, only the Anxiety subscale was used. Anxiety subscale score range 0-42 Normal 0-6; Mild 7-9; Moderate 10-14; Severe 15-19; Extremely severe 20-42
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Baseline | 9.38 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.71 |
| Non-Use | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 4 Weeks | 6.78 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.63 |
| THC Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 4 Weeks | 7.14 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.57 |
| THC Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Baseline | 10.1 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.69 |
| CBD Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Baseline | 10.5 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.29 |
| CBD Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 4 Weeks | 5.39 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.73 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | Baseline | 9.85 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.31 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 4 Weeks | 6.33 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.6 |
Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).
Change in inflammation from before to after cannabis use will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. The sum concentration of the cytokines IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and TNFα, which are generally regarded as pro-inflammatory, will be utilized. The range for these values can be from 0 to infinity. Higher values indicate higher (worse) levels of inflammation.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
Population: Participants were included in inflammatory marker analyses if they had biomarkers available for both timepoints (baseline and 4 weeks). Thus, sample size here is not the same as sample size for self-report based outcomes.
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | Baseline | 484.38 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 1280.36 |
| Non-Use | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | 4 Week | 62.95 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 88.15 |
| THC Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | 4 Week | 125.62 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 173.02 |
| THC Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | Baseline | 110.41 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 152.31 |
| CBD Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | Baseline | 294.71 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 501.34 |
| CBD Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | 4 Week | 218.07 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 487.29 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | Baseline | 324.04 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 871.24 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers). | 4 Week | 338.05 pg/mL | Standard Deviation 949.23 |
Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).
Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC) measures self-reported change on a 1-7 scale (i.e. from 1 (very much worse) to 7 (very much improved) in anxiety. Changes in this measure will be tested in relation to THC and CBD blood levels. Scale possible score range 0-7, with higher scores indicating the largest amount of possible change.
Time frame: This was administered only once, at the 4 week timepoint, asking participants to reflect on how much change they had experienced over the past 4 weeks.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC). | 4.4 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.93 |
| THC Group | Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC). | 5.07 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.96 |
| CBD Group | Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC). | 5.2 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.73 |
| THC+CBD Group | Patient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC). | 5.24 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.93 |
Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).
The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. For this aim, only the Depression subscale was used. Depression subscale score range 0-21 Normal (0 to 4), Mild (5 to 6), Moderate, (7 to 10), Severe (11 to 13), Extremely Severe (14 and above)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 10.095 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.588 |
| THC Group | Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 9.442 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.921 |
| CBD Group | Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 8.901 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.333 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 8.425 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.144 |
Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).
The DASS21 is a 21-item scale that measures self-reported change in anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms. Participants are asked to use 4-point severity/frequency scales (higher values indicate greater severity) to rate the extent to which they have experienced each state. For this aim, only the Stress subscale was used. Stress subscale score range 0-33 Normal (0 to 14), Mild (15 to 18), Moderate, (19 to 25), Severe (26 to 33)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 13.714 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.572 |
| THC Group | Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 13.023 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.631 |
| CBD Group | Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 12.374 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.136 |
| THC+CBD Group | Change in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21). | 12.4 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.99 |
Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).
Co-outcomes testing multiple domains of thinking, memory, and perception (NIH Toolbox), cognitive impairment in the domains of immediate and delayed recall (ISLT), attention and inhibitory control (FICA). Cognitive outcomes are measured in standard scores (e.g. Range of \>70 to \>140 (Mean of 100 and SD of 15) with higher scores indicating better performance) and can be averaged to reflect a Standard score of overall cognitive function.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | Baseline | 108.753 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.003 |
| Non-Use | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | 4 Weeks | 112.917 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.676 |
| THC Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | 4 Weeks | 112.451 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.087 |
| THC Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | Baseline | 107.846 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.442 |
| CBD Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | Baseline | 109.799 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.453 |
| CBD Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | 4 Weeks | 114.367 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 9.14 |
| THC+CBD Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | Baseline | 108.218 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.353 |
| THC+CBD Group | Cognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT). | 4 Weeks | 112.772 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 11.357 |
Health and Wellbeing
Self-report measure across primary domains of diet, assessment of sleep quality, and health-related well-being. Each domain was assessed with the following single items: Diet: In general, how healthy is your overall diet? Would you say (response options 0- excellent; 1- very good; 2- good; 3- fair; 4- poor) Sleep Quality: During the past 2 weeks, how would you rate your sleep quality overall? (response options 0- very good; 1- fairly good; 2- fairly bad; 3- very bad) Health Related Wellbeing: In general, how would you describe your health? (response options 0- excellent; 1- very good; 2- good; 3- fair; 4- poor)
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Self Reported Diet | 1.659 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.825 |
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Sleep Quality | 1.167 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.537 |
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Self Reported Diet | 1.643 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.932 |
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.463 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.745 |
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Sleep Quality | 1.167 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.696 |
| Non-Use | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.238 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.726 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Sleep Quality | 1.221 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.582 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.291 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.81 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Sleep Quality | 1.14 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.557 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.338 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.816 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Self Reported Diet | 1.741 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.804 |
| THC Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Self Reported Diet | 1.791 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.883 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Sleep Quality | 1.066 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.611 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Self Reported Diet | 1.857 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.95 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Self Reported Diet | 1.811 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.792 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Sleep Quality | 1.348 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.67 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.217 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.724 |
| CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.618 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.711 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.614 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.748 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Health-Related Wellbeing | 1.275 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.675 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Self Reported Diet | 1.772 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.784 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Self Reported Diet | 1.7750 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.914 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | 4 Week Sleep Quality | 1.2 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.582 |
| THC+CBD Group | Health and Wellbeing | Baseline Sleep Quality | 1.362 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.68 |
Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function
Motor control assessed via dynamic sway, proprioception, and finger tapping rate. Motor outcomes can be aggregated via Z-score to reflect a Z-score of overall motor function. We calculated the sum of Motor Battery Balance (Eyes Open, Eyes Closed, and Head Back) z-scores. A score of 0 means a participant's balance is at the mean for the sample. Higher scores (scores greater than 0) correspond to worse balance compared to the sample. Scores lower than 0 indicate better balance compared to the sample.
Time frame: Change from baseline to 4 weeks: Baseline (before 4 weeks of cannabis use) and Post-Administration (after 4 weeks of use and after acute self-administration)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Baseline sum Motor Battery Balance score | 0.0195 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.007 |
| Non-Use | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Change in Balance score at 4 weeks | 0.0214 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.011 |
| THC Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Change in Balance score at 4 weeks | 0.0201 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.006 |
| THC Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Baseline sum Motor Battery Balance score | 0.0192 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.006 |
| CBD Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Change in Balance score at 4 weeks | 0.0182 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.005 |
| CBD Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Baseline sum Motor Battery Balance score | 0.0173 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.005 |
| THC+CBD Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Change in Balance score at 4 weeks | 0.0195 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.007 |
| THC+CBD Group | Motor Battery: Balance and Motor Function | Baseline sum Motor Battery Balance score | 0.0202 z-score | Standard Deviation 0.014 |
Objective Physical Activity/Exercise
Physical activity via objective daily data on wearable watch as measured by average minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Time frame: 4 weeks
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Objective Physical Activity/Exercise | 1711.07 minutes | Standard Deviation 1055.73 |
| THC Group | Objective Physical Activity/Exercise | 1751.97 minutes | Standard Deviation 1075.78 |
| CBD Group | Objective Physical Activity/Exercise | 1487.81 minutes | Standard Deviation 1060.91 |
| THC+CBD Group | Objective Physical Activity/Exercise | 1712.53 minutes | Standard Deviation 1114.56 |
Physical Activity/Exercise
Physical activity via subjective self-report data using the Stanford Leisure-Time Activity Categorical item with 6 item responses (L-CAT; 1-6). Scores are reported as a mean between 1 and 6, larger numbers correspond to higher levels of activity.
Time frame: 4 weeks
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Physical Activity/Exercise | Baseline scores on L-CAT | 3.476 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.234 |
| Non-Use | Physical Activity/Exercise | Change in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT | 3.415 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.224 |
| THC Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Change in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT | 3.5 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.299 |
| THC Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Baseline scores on L-CAT | 3.523 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.326 |
| CBD Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Baseline scores on L-CAT | 3.571 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.367 |
| CBD Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Change in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT | 3.4 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.234 |
| THC+CBD Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Baseline scores on L-CAT | 3.612 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.392 |
| THC+CBD Group | Physical Activity/Exercise | Change in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT | 3.481 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.357 |
Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task
Participants reported levels of negative affect on a novel scale from -50 (worst) to +50 (best) while undergoing a guided rumination to induce negative affect.
Time frame: Acute change in affect from before the negative affect induction task to post-breathing
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | Baseline | 34.415 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.56 |
| Non-Use | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | 4 weeks | 34.805 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 11.9 |
| THC Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | 4 weeks | 36.687 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.649 |
| THC Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | Baseline | 33.518 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 17.097 |
| CBD Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | Baseline | 33.966 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.184 |
| CBD Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | 4 weeks | 36.193 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.448 |
| THC+CBD Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | Baseline | 33.416 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 15.25 |
| THC+CBD Group | Self-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task | 4 weeks | 36.147 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.312 |
Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages
Brief self-report from participants on anxiety and sleep in the past 24 hours. These are all 1-item novel questions in a daily, text based survey. Anxiety and sleep are on a scale of 1-10, with higher numbers being more anxiety or better sleep. Score is an average rating over 30 days.
Time frame: One survey per day for 30 days (at the start of the 4 week study)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Anxiety Rating | 3.457 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.386 |
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Sleep Quality Rating | 5.687 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.785 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Sleep Quality Rating | 5.72 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.74 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Anxiety Rating | 3.394 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.102 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Anxiety Rating | 3.51 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.167 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Sleep Quality Rating | 5.63 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.818 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Anxiety Rating | 3.133 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.066 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up Messages | Sleep Quality Rating | 5.455 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.773 |
Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys
Self-report from participants on anxiety (DASS anxiety subscale), sleep (novel sleep quality question ranging from 1-10 and 10 being best sleep), subjective cognitive functioning (perceived cognitive ability from the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function scale as was already reported in secondary measures- see for full description), and general health health (novel health question as was also reported in secondary measures- see for full description).
Time frame: 5 months (post-study completion)
| Arm | Measure | Group | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Anxiety | 3.246 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.267 |
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Subjective Cognitive Impairment | 4.657 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 11.058 |
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Sleep | 6.145 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.671 |
| Non-Use | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | General Health | 1.455 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.779 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Sleep | 5.763 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.79 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | General Health | 1.367 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.893 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Subjective Cognitive Impairment | 5.756 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 10.222 |
| THC Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Anxiety | 3.067 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.15 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | General Health | 1.606 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.745 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Anxiety | 2.844 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.974 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Sleep | 5.837 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.708 |
| CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Subjective Cognitive Impairment | 4.88 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.918 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Subjective Cognitive Impairment | 7.718 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 14.185 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Sleep | 5.595 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.626 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | Anxiety | 3.216 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.153 |
| THC+CBD Group | Exploratory: Monthly Follow-Up Surveys | General Health | 1.588 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.777 |