Adolescent CBD exposure in mice caused no harmful behavioral effects in adulthood

Prolonged adolescent CBD exposure (20 mg/kg twice daily, days 25-45) had no detrimental effects on locomotor activity, anxiety behavior (elevated plus maze), or spatial memory (Barnes Maze) compared to vehicle-treated mice. CBD-treated mice showed a faster rate of learning in the Barnes Maze. Female CBD-treated mice had reduced weight gain during the exposure period.

Male and female C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal CBD (20 mg/kg) or vehicle twice daily during postnatal days 25-45 (adolescent period). Behavioral testing in adulthood assessed locomotor activity (open field), anxiety (elevated plus maze), and spatial memory (Barnes Maze).

CBD is increasingly given to children and adolescents for anxiety, ADHD, and autism, often off-label. This study provides early safety data suggesting adolescent CBD exposure may not cause lasting behavioral harm, though the route of administration (injection) differs from human use.

While this is reassuring for CBD safety during development, the intraperitoneal route gives different pharmacokinetics than oral CBD in humans. The weight gain reduction in females warrants attention, as it could indicate metabolic effects that need further investigation.

Mouse model with intraperitoneal administration (not oral). Single dose tested. Limited behavioral battery. Cannot assess subjective or emotional effects. May miss subtle cognitive differences not captured by these assays.