Effects of CBD Oil on Memory Reconsolidation and Trauma-Related Symptoms

It is estimated that over 70% of individuals worldwide have experienced a trauma during their lifetime. Many people spontaneously recover without formal intervention or treatment after exposure to a traumatic event; however, some individuals may develop intrusive trauma-related memories, avoidance, negative changes in cognition or mood, or changes in arousal and reactivity, resulting in clinical or subclinical symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recently, the potential therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) have been investigated as a treatment for physical and mental health issues. Preclinical trials with rodents suggest that CBD may disrupt the reconsolidation of conditioned fear memories when administered within the six-hour memory reconsolidation window. These preclinical findings suggest that CBD may be clinically useful for preventing or treating PTSD. Although promising, little translational research has investigated the disruptive effects of CBD on memory reconsolidation in a trauma-exposed human population. The overarching objective of this study is to investigate the effects of CBD broad-spectrum oil on memory reconsolidation and trauma-related symptoms in trauma-exposed individuals after exposure to a trauma memory reactivation procedure. To accomplish this, participants will be randomized to one of three treatment conditions: (a) CBD oil administered within the reconsolidation window (CBD-WR), (b) placebo oil administered within the reconsolidation window (PBO-WR), or (c) CBD oil administered well outside of the accepted memory reconsolidation window (CBD-OR). Participants will undergo a trauma memory reactivation paradigm, rate their emotional distress level, and complete other trauma-related measures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first clinical trial to investigate the effects of CBD broad-spectrum oil on memory reconsolidation and trauma-related symptoms among trauma-exposed individuals following exposure to a trauma memory reactivation paradigm. Additionally, this proof-of-concept pilot trial aims to contribute to the development of a novel, brief, packageable, and cost-effective secondary prevention or treatment for individuals with trauma-related fear memories and symptoms of trauma.