CBD Research Studies

Several research studies have explored the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from the cannabis plant. These studies cover a wide range of conditions, including anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and neurological conditions like epilepsy. One notable study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in 2023 reviewed clinical studies using purified CBD products only, finding significant evidence supporting the use of CBD for anxiety, psychosis, PTSD, and substance abuse. The study also noted limited evidence for the use of CBD in Parkinson's disease, autism, smoking cessation, and certain gastrointestinal conditions, but concluded that the evidence base is limited by the number of trials investigating only the acute effects of CBD or testing it in small patient numbers.

 

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/medical-advances/science-and-research/what-research-says-about-cbd-oil

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4604171/

 

 

Additionally, a 2024 clinical trial conducted by Washington State University found that 20 mg of hemp-derived CBG significantly reduced feelings of anxiety without causing intoxication, suggesting its potential as a non-intoxicating anxiolytic.

 

https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2024/07/31/cannabinoid-cbg-reduces-anxiety-and-stress-in-first-human-clinical-trial/

 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-66879-0

 

In a study published in Science Advances in January 2025, researchers found that CBD could inhibit infection by SARS-CoV-2 in human cells and mice. This study recommended that clinical trials should be conducted to determine whether CBD could be used as a preventative or early treatment for COVID-19, emphasizing the need for precise dosing and safety assessments.

 

https://louisville.edu/medicine/news/researchers-recommend-human-clinical-trials-for-cbd-to-prevent-covid-19-based-on-promising-data

 

Additionally, the University of California, San Diego, is conducting several CBD clinical trials in 2025. These trials aim to explore the effects of CBD on alexithymia in people living with HIV, eating disorders, PTSD, and early psychosis. The trials will involve randomized controlled designs and aim to determine the efficacy of CBD in these conditions.

 

https://clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu/cannabidiol

 

CBD has also been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. A review of preclinical and human studies found that CBD shows promise as a treatment for anxiety-related disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4604171/

 

 

In other research studies CBD may help substance abuse. CBD has been found to reduce cravings for addictive substances.

 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

 

In another study purified CBD was found effective in treating depression.

 

https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-023-00186-9

 

 

In this study Peter Grinspoon an MD at Mass General Hospital found that CBD may be a useful treatment for childhood epilepsy.

 

https://www.unco.edu/news/articles/2024-cbd-research-stewart.aspx

 

 

A 2008 study demonstrated that CBN, along with other cannabinoids including

CBD, is effective in treating MRSA, a bacterial infection resistant to antibiotics.5 Research has also shown that CBN can prolong sleep time in mice, potentially acting as a sedative.

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201908/research-shows-9-potential-health-benefits-cbn

 

More recently, a study by the Salk Institute for Biological Studies revealed that CBN can protect neurons from oxidative damage, a major pathway to cell death. This suggests that CBN may have therapeutic potential for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

 

https://www.salk.edu/news-release/active-ingredient-in-cannabis-protects-aging-brain-cells/

 

 A 2021 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics highlighted that CBG may have therapeutic potential in treating neurological disorders such as Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, as well as inflammatory bowel disease and antibacterial activity.

 

https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204

 

https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/early/2020/11/09/jpet.120.000340

 

Research also indicates that CBG may be beneficial for reducing chronic pain and anxiety, with some users reporting it to be more effective than conventional medicines.

 

https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266

 

CBG has also been shown to have anti-fungal properties and cytotoxic effects on human epithelioid carcinoma cells.

 

https://biomedican.com/cbg-research/

 

CBG's unique pharmacology includes interactions with α-2 adrenoceptors and 5-HT1A receptors, which may contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.

 

https://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/376/2/204