Cannabidiol-boosted therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Official title: Cannabidiol-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11331990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new project tests whether cannabidiol can boost the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for adults with generalized anxiety disorder.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,701,056 |
| NIH project number | 5R61MH137105-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11331990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with generalized anxiety disorder who are receiving or eligible for CBT.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience additional benefit from CBD augmentation or may have side effects.
What this research studies
This project explores combining a non-intoxicating cannabis component with cognitive behavioral therapy to help people with generalized anxiety disorder feel more in control of their emotions. Researchers will examine how CBD might improve emotion regulation and brain activity in key areas linked to anxiety during therapy sessions. The goal is to make CBT work better for more people and reduce lingering anxiety symptoms. The study builds on findings that CBD and CBT may influence similar brain pathways involved in managing negative emotions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make CBT more effective for anxiety, improving daily functioning and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests CBD can reduce anxiety and may alter brain activity, supporting the potential for additive benefits with CBT.
Where this research is happening
-
Wayne State University
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marusak, Hilary — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Marusak, Hilary
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.