A Clinical Trial of a Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol Product for Anxiety

This investigation will be the first of its kind to conduct a clinical trial of an industrial hemp-derived product in individuals with anxiety. Despite the recent interest in medical cannabis and cannabinoid-based products, the availability of hemp-derived products in all 50 states, and anecdotal evidence suggesting that hemp-derived products may have a profound anxiolytic effect, no studies have conducted a clinical trial of a hemp-derived product in individuals who suffer from anxiety.

This investigation is composed of two phases. Phase 1 is comprised of a six-week open-label clinical trial of the custom formulated hemp-derived high-CBD solution in individuals with anxiety (n=12). Participants will be pre-screened by phone in order to evaluate their eligibility for the study. If approved, participants will come to the hospital for a baseline/screening visit, and will complete a structured clinical interview, clinical and quality of life questionnaires, and cognitive assessments. Enrolled participants will be given study product to use for the duration of the study; participants will be instructed to self-administer the solution under the tongue twice daily for six weeks. Throughout the treatment period, participants will complete short in-person or phone visits on a weekly basis, where they will complete questionnaires about their mood and quality of life. Participants will also return to the hospital for a final visit after six weeks of treatment to complete additional questionnaires and cognitive assessments.

Phase 2 of the study is a double-blind clinical trial of this solution in patients with anxiety (n=40). This double-blind trial will begin after the open-label trial has been completed. In the same manner as the open-label trial, participants will be pre-screened by phone, and approved participants will come to the hospital for a baseline/screening visit to complete a structured clinical interview, questionnaires, and cognitive assessments. Eligible participants will also have the option to complete an hour-long MRI scan at the baseline and final visits. Enrolled participants will receive either CBD solution or placebo solution to self-administer throughout the six week treatment period, as described above. Participants will complete in-person visits and phone check-ins during the treatment period to complete questionnaires about their mood and quality of life. Participants in this phase of the study will also return for a final visit after six weeks of treatment to complete additional questionnaires, cognitive assessments, and an optional MRI scan. Note: Phase 2 was planned but study termination occurred prior to commencement.