•  
  •  
 

THE EFFECTS OF A BRAND-SPECIFIC HEMP-DERIVED CANNABIDIOL PRODUCT IN HEALTHY ADULTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive phyto-cannabinoid that has recently gained traction for its potential anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, psychological, and pain-relieving effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a brand-specific hemp-derived CBD product in healthy adults over 12 weeks, compared to a placebo product. METHODS: 54 healthy adults (27 women and 27 men, age=25±7y; BMI=24.82±3.25 kg/m2) participated in the study. Participants arrived after >8 h of fasting and >48 h without alcohol consumption and vigorous exercise. Following baseline measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, EKG, and blood work to ensure health status), participants were stratified by sex and randomized into a placebo or CBD (50 mg/mL) group. Participants were instructed to consume 2mL daily. Data were collected at baseline and days 30±3, 60±3, and 90±3. Urine samples calculated chronic pain according to the foundational pain index (FPI) developed by Ethos laboratory. Blood was drawn to assess serum TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6 levels. Psychological states were assessed using psychometric questionnaires: Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Profile of Mood States, and a 10-item Likert scale for perceived pain. Daily surveys were completed to determine overall well-being. A Two-way ANOVA was used to determine group differences over time while adjusting for baseline values (α=0.05). RESULTS: There were no main effects of group or time or group-by-time interactions for serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 (p>0.05). Similarly, there were no group-by-time interactions or main effects for perceptual measures and most profile of mood state subscales (p>0.05). No significant differences were found between groups in the incidence and prevalence of “colds or flus” (p>0.05). However, the sub-score for “vigor” decreased (p=0.007) from visit 3 to visit 5 (p=0.014). In addition, the placebo group exhibited greater pain scores than the CBD group (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: CBD appears safe and well tolerated in healthy adults over a 12-week period. Moreover, CBD supplementation may help improve pain in healthy adults. Vigor decreased across the intervention for both groups, this may be an effect of time due to the academic semester. The present dosing appears safe but minimally effective, higher doses may be required to elicit more pronounced anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and mood-altering effects in healthy populations.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS