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Anxiety, Inflammation, Stress, and Cannabinoids

Novel Approaches to Understanding the Role of Cannabinoids and Inflammation in Anxiety

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03491384
Enrollment
361
Registered
2018-04-09
Start date
2018-04-01
Completion date
2023-05-17
Last updated
2025-08-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Anxiety, Anxiety Chronic, Anxiety Disorders, Anxiety Generalized, Inflammation, Inflammatory Response

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

DRUGCannabis (smoked flower, ingested edible)

Self-Directed Use (ad-libitum)

Sponsors

University of Colorado, Denver
CollaboratorOTHER
University of Colorado, Boulder
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

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

MeasureTime frameDescription
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

MeasureTime frameDescription
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 WellbeingChange 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/Exercise4 weeksPhysical activity via objective daily data on wearable watch as measured by average minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Physical Activity/Exercise4 weeksPhysical 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 FunctionChange 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 TaskAcute change in affect from before the negative affect induction task to post-breathingParticipants 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

MeasureTime frameDescription
Exploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesOne 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 Surveys5 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

ArmCount
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
Total300

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicNon-UseTHC GroupCBD GroupTHC+CBD GroupTotal
Age, Continuous35.3 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 219.38 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 Participants7 Participants5 Participants4 Participants20 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
38 Participants79 Participants87 Participants76 Participants280 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
42 participants86 participants92 participants80 participants300 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
27 Participants50 Participants47 Participants45 Participants169 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
15 Participants36 Participants45 Participants35 Participants131 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
EG003
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 420 / 860 / 920 / 80
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 420 / 860 / 920 / 80
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 420 / 860 / 920 / 80

Outcome results

Primary

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).Baseline9.38 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.71
Non-UseChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).4 Weeks6.78 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.63
THC GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).4 Weeks7.14 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.57
THC GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).Baseline10.1 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.69
CBD GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).Baseline10.5 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.29
CBD GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).4 Weeks5.39 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.73
THC+CBD GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).Baseline9.85 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.31
THC+CBD GroupChange in Anxiety: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).4 Weeks6.33 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.6
Primary

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.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).Baseline484.38 pg/mLStandard Deviation 1280.36
Non-UseChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).4 Week62.95 pg/mLStandard Deviation 88.15
THC GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).4 Week125.62 pg/mLStandard Deviation 173.02
THC GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).Baseline110.41 pg/mLStandard Deviation 152.31
CBD GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).Baseline294.71 pg/mLStandard Deviation 501.34
CBD GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).4 Week218.07 pg/mLStandard Deviation 487.29
THC+CBD GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).Baseline324.04 pg/mLStandard Deviation 871.24
THC+CBD GroupChange in Inflammation: Circulating Levels of Cytokines (Panel of Inflammatory Markers).4 Week338.05 pg/mLStandard Deviation 949.23
Primary

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.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UsePatient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).4.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.93
THC GroupPatient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).5.07 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.96
CBD GroupPatient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).5.2 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.73
THC+CBD GroupPatient Global Impression of Change: Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).5.24 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.93
Secondary

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)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseChange in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).10.095 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.588
THC GroupChange in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).9.442 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.921
CBD GroupChange in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).8.901 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.333
THC+CBD GroupChange in Depression: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).8.425 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.144
Secondary

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)

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseChange in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).13.714 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.572
THC GroupChange in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).13.023 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.631
CBD GroupChange in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).12.374 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.136
THC+CBD GroupChange in Stress: Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21).12.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.99
Secondary

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).Baseline108.753 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.003
Non-UseCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).4 Weeks112.917 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.676
THC GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).4 Weeks112.451 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.087
THC GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).Baseline107.846 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.442
CBD GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).Baseline109.799 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.453
CBD GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).4 Weeks114.367 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.14
THC+CBD GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).Baseline108.218 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.353
THC+CBD GroupCognitive Impairment: NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery, Flanker Inhibitory Control Attention Task (FICA) and International Shopping List Test (ISLT).4 Weeks112.772 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.357
Secondary

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Self Reported Diet1.659 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.825
Non-UseHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Sleep Quality1.167 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.537
Non-UseHealth and WellbeingBaseline Self Reported Diet1.643 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.932
Non-UseHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing1.463 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.745
Non-UseHealth and WellbeingBaseline Sleep Quality1.167 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.696
Non-UseHealth and WellbeingBaseline Health-Related Wellbeing1.238 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.726
THC GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Sleep Quality1.221 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.582
THC GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Health-Related Wellbeing1.291 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.81
THC GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Sleep Quality1.14 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.557
THC GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing1.338 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.816
THC GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Self Reported Diet1.741 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.804
THC GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Self Reported Diet1.791 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.883
CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Sleep Quality1.066 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.611
CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Self Reported Diet1.857 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.95
CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Self Reported Diet1.811 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.792
CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Sleep Quality1.348 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.67
CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Health-Related Wellbeing1.217 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.724
CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing1.618 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.711
THC+CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Health-Related Wellbeing1.614 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.748
THC+CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Health-Related Wellbeing1.275 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.675
THC+CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Self Reported Diet1.772 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.784
THC+CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Self Reported Diet1.7750 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.914
THC+CBD GroupHealth and Wellbeing4 Week Sleep Quality1.2 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.582
THC+CBD GroupHealth and WellbeingBaseline Sleep Quality1.362 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.68
Secondary

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionBaseline sum Motor Battery Balance score0.0195 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.007
Non-UseMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionChange in Balance score at 4 weeks0.0214 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.011
THC GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionChange in Balance score at 4 weeks0.0201 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.006
THC GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionBaseline sum Motor Battery Balance score0.0192 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.006
CBD GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionChange in Balance score at 4 weeks0.0182 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.005
CBD GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionBaseline sum Motor Battery Balance score0.0173 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.005
THC+CBD GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionChange in Balance score at 4 weeks0.0195 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.007
THC+CBD GroupMotor Battery: Balance and Motor FunctionBaseline sum Motor Battery Balance score0.0202 z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.014
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseObjective Physical Activity/Exercise1711.07 minutesStandard Deviation 1055.73
THC GroupObjective Physical Activity/Exercise1751.97 minutesStandard Deviation 1075.78
CBD GroupObjective Physical Activity/Exercise1487.81 minutesStandard Deviation 1060.91
THC+CBD GroupObjective Physical Activity/Exercise1712.53 minutesStandard Deviation 1114.56
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UsePhysical Activity/ExerciseBaseline scores on L-CAT3.476 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.234
Non-UsePhysical Activity/ExerciseChange in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT3.415 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.224
THC GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseChange in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT3.5 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.299
THC GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseBaseline scores on L-CAT3.523 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.326
CBD GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseBaseline scores on L-CAT3.571 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.367
CBD GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseChange in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT3.4 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.234
THC+CBD GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseBaseline scores on L-CAT3.612 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.392
THC+CBD GroupPhysical Activity/ExerciseChange in scores at 4-weeks on L-CAT3.481 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.357
Secondary

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

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction TaskBaseline34.415 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.56
Non-UseSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task4 weeks34.805 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.9
THC GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task4 weeks36.687 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.649
THC GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction TaskBaseline33.518 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 17.097
CBD GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction TaskBaseline33.966 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.184
CBD GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task4 weeks36.193 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.448
THC+CBD GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction TaskBaseline33.416 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 15.25
THC+CBD GroupSelf-Reported Affect in the Context of Negative Affect Induction Task4 weeks36.147 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.312
Other Pre-specified

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesAnxiety Rating3.457 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.386
Non-UseExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesSleep Quality Rating5.687 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.785
THC GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesSleep Quality Rating5.72 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.74
THC GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesAnxiety Rating3.394 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.102
CBD GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesAnxiety Rating3.51 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.167
CBD GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesSleep Quality Rating5.63 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.818
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesAnxiety Rating3.133 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.066
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Daily Follow-Up MessagesSleep Quality Rating5.455 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.773
Other Pre-specified

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)

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Non-UseExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysAnxiety3.246 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.267
Non-UseExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSubjective Cognitive Impairment4.657 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.058
Non-UseExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSleep6.145 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.671
Non-UseExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysGeneral Health1.455 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.779
THC GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSleep5.763 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.79
THC GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysGeneral Health1.367 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.893
THC GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSubjective Cognitive Impairment5.756 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 10.222
THC GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysAnxiety3.067 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.15
CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysGeneral Health1.606 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.745
CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysAnxiety2.844 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.974
CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSleep5.837 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.708
CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSubjective Cognitive Impairment4.88 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.918
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSubjective Cognitive Impairment7.718 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.185
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysSleep5.595 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 1.626
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysAnxiety3.216 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.153
THC+CBD GroupExploratory: Monthly Follow-Up SurveysGeneral Health1.588 units on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.777

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 7, 2026