Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive hemp derivative, is an attractive therapeutic agent, and is most supported by the scientific community as an antiepileptic. Additionally, CBD is also associated with claims related to improvements in overall health, pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep; however, the scientific evidence is lacking. The overarching goal of this investigation is to determine the effects of a 4-week CBD intervention on measures of overall health, pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep in a population of US veterans. Primary aims will explore the effects of 4 weeks of CBD on pain, anxiety, and depression. Secondary aims will determine whether 4 weeks of CBD will affect general measures of overall health and sleep.

In this double-blind investigation, participants will undergo 6 online assessments. Two assessments (assessments 1 and 2) will take place before the intervention period and assessments 3-6 will be conducted at the end of every week during the intervention period (assessment 3 at the end of week one, assessment 4 at the end of week 2, assessment 5 at the end of week 3 and assessment 6 at the end of week 4).

After participants (N=100) reach out to inquire about the study, they will be provided with an informed consent, and they will be asked to obtain physician approval to participate in the study. Once this approval is obtained, they will be randomized into either a cannabidiol ingesting group (CG, n=50, 50 mg of CBD per day)) or a placebo-controlled group (PC, n=50, 0 mg of CBD per day). Then, they will be sent a link to a survey which includes questions evaluating overall health, anxiety, depression, pain and sleep. The details of these surveys are outlined below. Once researchers receive a completed assessment 1, the participants will be mailed packages containing bottles of either CBD or a placebo capsules (32 capsules provided in each bottle). One week after assessment 1, participants will complete assessment 2 and will begin to take one capsule per day in the evening after their last meal. Participants will take the same online surveys in all assessments with the exception of the initial informed consent (in visit one only) as well as a few open-ended study experience questions in assessment 6. During the intervention period, all participants will complete capsule logs in which they confirm that they have consumed one of their assigned capsules each day. Subjects will take a picture and email the log back to researchers at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 18 years and older
• Biological Sex: Males or Females, Gender Binary or Non-Binary
• Veteran: US Veterans currently residing in the continental United States
• Informed Consent: The capability and willingness to give online informed consent, to understand the exclusion criteria, and to accept that the randomized group assignment is required.
• Secure Internet Access: Ability to use an online platform and agreement to take surveys and communicate with the research team while on a private (not public) device and using a private (not public) connection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or Planned Pregnancy: Individuals who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant.
• Allergy to Capsule Ingredients: Individuals with a known allergy to porcine gelatin, glycerin, medium chain triglycerides (coconut derived), or CBD.
• Significant Mental Health Challenges: Presence of moderate to severe mental health challenges including paranoia, manic depression, bipolar disorder, severe depression or who are at risk for suicide.
• Significant Health Challenges: Presence of an uncontrolled chronic disease (heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, etc) and/or individuals who are regularly taking anti-seizure drugs, blood thinners, antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, sedatives, beta and calcium channel blocker and chemotherapy drugs, HIV antivirals. Individuals with seizure disorders.
• Illegal Substance Use: Individuals who are currently using illegal drugs.
• Cannabis or CBD Use: Individuals who have used a cannabis or CBD product(s) within the last 3 months.
• Residing in a State With CBD Restrictions: Residents of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, Maine, and Nevada are not able to participate in this study.
• Travel Plans: Plans to travel outside of the continental United States during the 4 week study intervention period.

Data will become available when the study is published and will be available for 3 years.

Data will become available when the study is published and will be available for 3 years.

Data (without subject ID numbers) will be shared upon email request laura.stewart@unco.edu.