Cannabis and CBD research is one of the biggest issues facing our industry. There is so much optimism and skepticism about the benefits and effects of this plant, and players in all areas of the supply chain are seeking to learn more.

Luckily, the country is about to get more definitive answers to many questions. In the final weeks of 2022, President Biden signed a new research bill that removed many federal obstacles for scientists and researchers who wanted to study medical marijuana. This move made it more accessible to investigate the potential impacts and benefits of the cannabis plant.

For this reason, 2023 is set to be an exciting year for cannabis research. But despite regulatory hurdles, many teams around the world published findings that changed the way we think about CBD research in the past year. 

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most interesting CBD and cannabis studies from the past year and how these new findings could impact the industry.

Autism and CBD Research

Scientists in Israel recently published the results of a years-long clinical study on the effects of CBD oil on many secondary symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. 

The study in question measured the impacts of cannabis oil with a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio on 110 ADS subjects over the course of six months. The results were exciting; many of the subjects reported positive side effects such as:

• Better sleep
• Lessened anxiety
• Reduced rage
• Fewer incidents of self-injury
• Better social capabilities
• Improved basic living skills

Primary Autism Spectrum Disorder symptoms such as repetitive behaviors did not appear to be impacted by treatment with CBD oil. 

This CBD study makes a powerful argument for future research into the effects of cannabis on those living with ASD, as it could have the potential to dramatically improve the quality of life of many.

Effects of THC and CBD Research

A new study from the end of 2022 found that THC and CBD potency information isn’t sufficient to make a prediction of the cognitive effects of a cannabis product. 

Historically, Indica products were considered more relaxing than their exciting Sativa counterparts, but this new research suggests that chemical composition is more important than strain classifications. 

To gain a better understanding of the potential impacts of the product, you must have an accurate report on the cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds present. The study found that animals given an Indica oil were less motivated to earn a reward. This is in line with what is expected. However, when given a Sativa oil with the same THC and CBD potency, the animals experienced no effect. 

Since THC and CBD levels are not the only indicators of how a cannabis product will affect the user, it opens the door for researchers to further investigate how labels can more accurately represent products. 

Additionally, we truly need to look into the accuracy and preciseness of cannabis lab testing. This includes better correlating the actual clinical testing with accurate and timely lab results of the cannabinoid/terpene profile being administered.

CBD and THC Safety Research

A recent study from Neuropsychopharmacology found that a long-held assumption among cannabis users was inaccurate. The belief that THC products containing CBD may be safer to consume proved to be false. 

The CBD products used in the study did not lessen any of THC’s effects. This includes the severity of the impairment, memory effects, pleasure responses, blood pressure, and heart rate. 

This study demonstrates that there is likely no protective or diminishing effect of CBD when included in THC products. This changes the perspective of many experts who may have believed that CBD’s inclusion in THC products would reduce cognitive effects. A more reliable strategy is limiting the dosage of THC in all products. 

Upcoming Research Study: CBD and Psychosis

A new study out of Oxford University is currently examining the efficacy of CBD as a psychosis medication. The study is being headed by Professor Philip McGuire and is supported by a range of groups, including King’s College and Wellcome. 

The clinical trials will test the effects of a CBD drug that is already used to treat patients with serious epilepsy. The subjects will include 1000 participants from 11 different countries. Researchers will hold three separate trials to assess a wide variety of potential effects on patients with psychosis. 

The aim of the study is not just to understand whether or not CBD is an effective treatment for psychosis, but also to determine whether it can be used to prevent or slow the onset of the disease in those with a high likelihood of developing it.

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