CBD Improved Theory of Mind While THC Reduced Cognitive Empathy in Chronic Cannabis Users
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
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.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- First evidence that CBD can improve Theory of Mind
- Evidence Grade:
- Double-blind crossover RCT with ecological validity, but very small sample (n=18) limits reliability.
- Study Age:
- 2024 publication
- Original Title:
- The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Social Cognition: A Naturalistic Controlled Study.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 9(1), 230-240 (2024)
- Authors:
- Sainz-Cort, Alberto(3), Jimenez-Garrido, Daniel(3), Muñoz-Marron, Elena(3), Viejo-Sobera, Raquel, Heeroma, Joost, Bouso, Jose Carlos
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05680
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CBD affect social cognition?
In this small crossover trial, CBD improved cognitive Theory of Mind (understanding others mental states) compared to placebo in chronic cannabis users. This is the first evidence that CBD can enhance social cognitive abilities.
Does THC affect empathy?
THC reduced cognitive empathy compared to CBD in this study, though not compared to placebo. No effects were found on emotional empathy or emotional Theory of Mind for either cannabinoid.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05680APA
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
MLA
Sainz-Cort, Alberto, et al. "The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in Social Cognition: A Naturalistic Controlled Study.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0037
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "The Effects of Cannabidiol and δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in S..." RTHC-05680. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sainz-cort-2024-the-effects-of-cannabidiol
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.