A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Test of the Effects of Cannabidiol on Experiences of Test Anxiety Among College Students

Introduction: Oral administration of cannabidiol (CBD) has shown to yield a variety of therapeutic benefits among humans, particularly regarding symptoms of anxiety. This study tested single oral administration doses of CBD (150, 300, or 600 mg), compared to placebo, for reducing test anxiety (TA) in a researcher-derived experimental analog.Method: Our sample included 32 healthy college students who self-reported moderate-to-severe levels of TA. Participants attended an experimental session, and received a dose of CBD or placebo, in a double-blind procedure. After administration of CBD, participants completed a statistics examination and measures of TA and general anxiety during examination administration.Results: Results indicated no effect of CBD dose on self-reported TA or general anxiety; however, results indicated efficacy of our experimental manipulation for inducing TA in vivo.Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate that CBD does not reduce experiences of TA, and future work may examine the underlying mechanisms and affective states related to anxiety for which CBD may offer anxiolytic benefits, and for whom.