In a naturalistic placebo-controlled crossover trial, CBD improved cognitive Theory of Mind compared to placebo, while THC reduced cognitive empathy compared to CBD, in 18 chronic cannabis users at a social club.
Social cognition researchers, psychiatrists, autism/schizophrenia researchers, medical cannabis prescribers
First evidence that CBD can improve Theory of Mind
What the researchers found
Participants under THC showed lower cognitive empathy compared to CBD (but not compared to placebo). Participants under CBD showed higher cognitive Theory of Mind compared to placebo (but not compared to THC). No differences were found on emotional scales for empathy or ToM. THC+CBD combination did not significantly differ from other conditions.
Why it matters
This is the first study to show CBD can improve Theory of Mind abilities, a finding with potential implications for conditions like schizophrenia and autism where ToM is impaired. The naturalistic setting adds ecological validity.
The numbers in context
18 participants; 4 conditions (THC, CBD, THC+CBD, placebo); CBD improved cognitive ToM vs placebo; THC reduced cognitive empathy vs CBD; no emotional scale differences.
How the study worked
Naturalistic, randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study in a cannabis social club. 18 chronic cannabis users tested under four conditions: THC, CBD, THC+CBD, and placebo full-spectrum extracts.
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample (n=18). Chronic cannabis users may differ from cannabis-naive populations. Naturalistic setting reduces experimental control. Multiple comparisons with small sample increase false positive risk.
How to read the evidence
Double-blind crossover RCT with ecological validity, but very small sample (n=18) limits reliability.
When this study was published
2024 publication
The bigger picture
Social cognition deficits are central to several neuropsychiatric conditions. If CBD can enhance Theory of Mind, it could have therapeutic applications beyond the typical anxiety/pain uses currently being studied.
Questions still open
- Would CBD improve Theory of Mind in cannabis-naive individuals or those with clinical ToM deficits?
- Does the THC+CBD combination lack social cognition effects because the cannabinoids cancel each other out?
Common questions
Does CBD affect social cognition?
Does THC affect empathy?
Read the original research
The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Social Cognition: A Naturalistic Controlled Study.
Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(1), 230-240
Citation
Sainz-Cort, Alberto; Jimenez-Garrido, Daniel; Muñoz-Marron, Elena; Viejo-Sobera, Raquel; Heeroma, Joost; Bouso, Jose Carlos. (2024). The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Social Cognition: A Naturalistic Controlled Study.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(1), 230-240. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0037
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