Regular CBD use and the body's response to acute stress

Cannabidiol (CBD) and Stress Response: Psychobiological Mechanisms

NA · University of Minnesota · NCT07069478

This study will test whether adults who use cannabidiol (CBD) regularly have different physical and mood reactions to an acute stress test compared with adults who do not use CBD.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment125 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota (other)
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT07069478 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare psychobiological responses to an acute laboratory stressor between relatively healthy adults aged 21–70 who either use CBD regularly or do not. The protocol includes measurement of cardiovascular reactivity, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis markers, and mood responses before, during, and after stress induction. Correlates of CBD use such as tobacco use and basic health screening will be collected to help interpret findings. Participants must attend visits at the University of Minnesota and follow pre-visit abstinence and sleep schedule instructions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy adults aged 21–70 who either use CBD daily/regularly or do not use CBD regularly and who can maintain a normal night-time sleep schedule are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with unstable major psychiatric or medical conditions, current illicit substance use (other than cannabis), self-reported pregnancy, or inability to follow pre-visit abstinence rules are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could clarify whether regular CBD use changes physiological or mood responses to stress and inform guidance for people using CBD for stress management.

How similar studies have performed: Some single-dose laboratory studies of CBD have reported reduced anxiety or altered stress markers, but evidence on effects of regular CBD use on physiological stress responses is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults who are relatively healthy and aged 21-70 years.
* Must keep a normal sleep schedule (sleep during nighttime, awake during daytime).
* Must either (1) use CBD daily/regularly or (2) not use CBD regularly.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participated in previous acute stress studies that included a similar stress induction.
* Current, unstable: major psychiatric disorder or medical condition (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension above 160/100).
* Self-reported current pregnancy.
* Self-reported current use of illicit substances (other than cannabis).
* Non-compliance with instructions for study visit (abstinence from alcohol, caffeine, physical activity, etc.)
* Students of the principal researcher

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: CBD, Cannabidiol, Stress, Acute Stress Reaction, cardiovascular reactivity, , , ,, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, stress, mood

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.