The effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on paranoid cognitions in humans

ISRCTN ISRCTN11082858
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11082858
Secondary identifying numbers 3.2d30.5.13
Submission date
11/07/2013
Registration date
16/08/2013
Last edited
02/09/2020
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
The aim of this study is to find out about the effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on brain function. CBD comes from the cannabis plant, but does not produce a 'high' as its effects in humans are almost undetectable except for mild sedation at high doses. The researchers want to learn more about the effect of CBD on the human mind in a simulated version of everyday life.

Who can participate?
People who are currently attending the OASIS clinic who are not currently taking any psychiatric mediation, aged between 18 and 50, who are physically well, with no history of major illness.

What does the study involve?
The study involves two blocks of 5 days each. On day 1 of each block participants are given a capsule containing either CBD or placebo (dummy) in a random order. They are then given a box containing the remaining doses, and are asked to take a dose of CBD in the evenings for the next 3 days. On the 5th day of each block participants have the experimental session, where a small blood sample is taken to test how much CBD is in their body. They are then be asked to complete some questionnaires and finally complete the virtual-reality bus ride, followed by a simulated public-speaking task. Their heart rate is measured and small saliva samples are taken. The CBD week results are compared with the placebo week results.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants are paid £28 per day they are involved in the study, which is 10 days in total giving a maximum of £280. They are collected from home by taxi and dropped back home at the end of each day. Some people may experience mild sedation after taking CBD, so participants are asked not to drive, operate heavy machinery or engage in hazardous activities during the days they take any capsules. There are no documented effects of CBD on the heart or the nervous system aside from mild sedation, and no adverse effects have been recorded. It can very occasionally happen that some people experience a degree of nausea or disturbances in their vision after being in the virtual reality. Therefore if at any time they wish to stop, they can stop immediately.

Where is the study run from?
Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London (UK)

When is study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
July 2013 to August 2015

Who is funding the study?
The study is funded by an unrestricted grant from GW Pharma (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Dr Paul Morrison
paul.morrison@kcl.ac.uk

Contact information

Dr Paul Morrison
Scientific

M5.06.02 Psychosis Studies
5th Floor, Main Building
Institute of Psychiatry
16 DeCrespigny Park
London
SE5 8AF
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)207 848 0057
Email paul.morrison@kcl.ac.uk

Study information

Study designRandomised cross-over design
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised cross over trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleThe effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on paranoid cognitions in humans: a randomised controlled trial
Study acronymCBD VR2
Study objectivesCBD decreases perceived social threat and their endocrine sequelae.
Ethics approval(s)National Research Ethics Service (NRES) Committee London, 30/05/2013
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedParanoid cognitions
InterventionAll participants will receive Cannabidiol (CBD) on one occasion, and placebo on the other. The order of administrations will be randomised and double-blinded. The drugs will be administered as oral capsules, 3 x 100 mg being taken twice a day (total dose per day is 600 mg).
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)Cannabidiol
Primary outcome measure1. Autonomic arousal using pulse and respiratory rates and saliva swabs to measure cortisol
2. Paranoid thinking using the State-Social Paranoid Scale and the Cape-(state version)
3. Affective processing using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Bond and Lader Visual Analogue Scale and the Negative-Self-Statement-Scale
Secondary outcome measuresCognitive functioning using the Letter-Number-Span to measure working memory, and the Hopkins-Verbal-Learning-Task-Revised
Overall study start date22/07/2013
Completion date22/08/2015

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit50 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants20
Key inclusion criteria1. Aged 18-50 years
2. English as first language
3. Patient at OASIS service
Key exclusion criteria1. Subjects who have been diagnosed with a major mental or physical illness (epilepsy, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
2. Subjects must not have had previous treatment with antipsychotic or mood stabilising drugs
3. Pregnancy
4. Drug/alcohol dependence
Date of first enrolment22/07/2013
Date of final enrolment01/01/2015

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Institute of Psychiatry
London
SE5 8AF
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

King's College London (UK)
University/education

Institute of Psychiatry
16 DeCrespigny Park
London
SE5 8AF
England
United Kingdom

Website http://www.kcl.ac.uk/iop/index.aspx
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/0220mzb33

Funders

Funder type

Industry

GW Pharmaceuticals (UK)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Editorial Notes

02/09/2020: No publications found.
18/09/2017: No publications found, verifying study status with principal investigator.