Background/Objective
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a minor cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants that may have therapeutic properties, but human clinical trials are needed to examine these effects as well as potential side effects. The current study was designed to examine the acute effects of CBG on psychological (anxiety, stress, mood, and memory) and physiological (pain tolerance, blood pressure, pulse, brain activity) outcomes. Additionally, we will explore whether experiences of awe and connectedness are impacted by CBG.

Methods
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was designed to investigate the effects of 50 mg of CBG relative to placebo. Specifically, 100 participants are completing two testing sessions in The Health & Cognition (THC) lab separated by a one-week wash out period. Each participant is randomly assigned to ingest either 50 mg of CBG or placebo in session one and the other product in session two. Participants provide assessments of blood pressure, pain tolerance, EEG brain activity, anxiety, stress, mood, intoxication, impairment, and side effects at multiple timepoints including after completing a survey and watching a video (T1), after completing a stress test (T2), and after completing memory tests (T3).

Results
Preliminary analyses conducted on 66 participants revealed a main effect of CBG on changes in anxiety ratings such that anxiety was reduced relative to baseline significantly more in the CBG condition than placebo condition. ​We also found a significant but subtle difference in short-term memory, with participants performing significantly better in the CBG condition relative to the placebo condition. Preliminary analyses revealed no significant effects of CBG, relative to placebo on stress, mood, awe, connectedness to nature, pain tolerance, blood pressure, or pulse. Finally, there is no evidence of impairment, intoxication, or side effects from the CBG compared to placebo.

Conclusions
The current study provides support for CBG as an anxiolytic in humans and indicates that CBG may have a subtle positive impact on memory without intoxication or impairment. This work should help inform future clinical trials and consumers of CBG.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to describe the acute effects of CBG on physiological (blood pressure, pulse, and EEG) outcomes

• Attendees will be able to identify the acute effects of CBG on psychological (anxiety, stress, mood, awe, connectedness to nature, pain tolerance) outcomes