160 Participants Needed

Cannabidiol for Stress

(SCANS Trial)

SS
Overseen BySCANS Study Team

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how cannabidiol (CBD), a compound in cannabis, affects the body's stress response. Researchers aim to understand its impact on brain function, hormones, and behavior in individuals who frequently experience stress or anxiety. Participants will receive either an oral CBD solution or a placebo (a non-active substance) to compare effects. Individuals who have experienced significant past stress or trauma and currently feel moderate to high stress might be suitable for this study. As a Phase 1 and Phase 2 trial, the study focuses on understanding how CBD works in people and measuring its effectiveness in a smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications before joining the trial. Specifically, you cannot use psychoactive drugs, cannabis products, or medications that affect brain function and stress response for a specified period before and during the study.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) is generally safe for use. One study found that participants who took doses up to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight daily experienced some instances of elevated liver enzyme levels, indicating liver stress, though this was uncommon and usually mild.

Another study tested a 600 mg oral dose of CBD and found it effective in managing anxiety. Avoid mixing CBD with alcohol or certain medications, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Overall, CBD is considered a safe option for treating anxiety and stress, with a low risk of serious harm or addiction, especially compared to some other medications.12345

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Researchers are excited about cannabidiol (CBD) for stress because it offers a novel approach compared to traditional treatments like SSRIs, therapy, or benzodiazepines. Unlike most current medications that work by altering serotonin levels or acting on the central nervous system, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, potentially providing relief without the sedative effects or dependency risks associated with some conventional drugs. This makes CBD an intriguing option for those seeking a natural and potentially faster-acting alternative for stress management.

What evidence suggests that cannabidiol might be an effective treatment for stress?

Research shows that cannabidiol (CBD), which participants in this trial may receive, might help reduce stress. One study found that people using CBD experienced a noticeable drop in anxiety symptoms, with some showing a 15% decrease. Another study revealed that many people use CBD primarily to relieve stress, suggesting its effectiveness. Although information on its long-term effects remains limited, current evidence suggests CBD could be a promising option for managing stress and anxiety.45678

Who Is on the Research Team?

KB

Keren Bachi, PhD

Principal Investigator

Ichan School of Medicine

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with anxiety disorders, nerve injury, trauma, or stress from early life adversity. Participants should be interested in how Cannabidiol (CBD) might help manage stress. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria are not listed but typically involve age ranges, health status, and other factors relevant to the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Presence of ELA at threshold of at least one type of maltreatment measured by the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure (MACE) Scale and/or one type of maltreatment scored moderate/severe as measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)
English speakers
Cognitive performance at threshold of greater than or equal to 23 as assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
See 3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Being pregnant or breastfeeding
Participating in another pharmacotherapeutic trial in the past three months
I have used cannabis or CBD products in the last three weeks.
See 11 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either oral CBD solution (400 mg) or placebo in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design

7 days
Daily visits for administration and monitoring

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including measurement of cortisol and other stress markers

1 week
2 visits (in-person) for outcome measures

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Cannabidiol

Trial Overview

The study is testing whether CBD can help regulate stress response compared to a placebo. It involves neuroimaging to observe brain function and will measure changes in neurometabolic activity, hormone levels, and behavior.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Cannabidiol (CBD)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: PlaceboPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Lead Sponsor

Trials
933
Recruited
579,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Industry Sponsor

Trials
252
Recruited
35,100+
Bruce C. Cozadd profile image

Bruce C. Cozadd

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Chief Executive Officer since 2009

BA in Economics from Yale University, MBA from Stanford University

Dr. Austin profile image

Dr. Austin

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Citations

Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in anxiety ...

In a study evaluating long-term administration of CBD, after 1 month of treatment, CBD patients experienced symptom reductions of approximately 25% and 16% ( ...

Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders

Thus, overall, no outcome data are currently available regarding the chronic effects of CBD in the treatment of anxiety symptoms, nor do any data exist ...

Cannabidiol usage, efficacy, and side effects

Among the total sample, the most common reasons for using CBD products were stress (65.3%), sleep problems (51.7%), overall well-being ...

open-label data from a two-stage, phase 2 clinical trial

Patients quickly achieved and maintained ≥15% reduction of anxiety symptoms with most patients demonstrating clinically significant treatment ...

Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't

Insomnia: Studies suggest that CBD may help with both falling asleep and staying asleep, in part by helping address chronic pain and anxiety.

CDER Investigators Address the Safety of CBD in a ...

At labeled doses up to 25 mg/kg/day, an increased risk of liver enzyme elevation was observed., Liver enzyme elevations typically occurred after ...

Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity - PMC

Six-hundred mg oral CBD was evaluated for its effects on persecutory ideation and anxiety in a high paranoid trait group (n=32) 130 min before entering a ...

Cannabidiol (CBD) – Potential Harms, Side Effects, and ...

Do not use CBD concurrently with medications, alcohol, or illicit drugs. ○ If you experience adverse events as a result of using CBD products, report them to ...