CBD Given During Adolescence Had Lasting Behavioral Effects Into Adulthood in Mice

Adolescent CBD (30 mg/kg daily for 3 weeks) suppressed locomotion, exploration, and social behaviors while reducing anxiety-like behaviors in adult mice. In Nrg1 mutant mice (a schizophrenia susceptibility model), prior adolescent CBD exacerbated THC-induced suppression of acoustic startle response, though CBD did not alter schizophrenia-relevant behaviors.

Male Nrg1 TM HET mice (schizophrenia model) and wild-type controls received 30 mg/kg CBD intraperitoneally daily for 3 weeks during adolescence. At 5–6 months, they were tested for locomotion, social behavior, sensorimotor gating, cognition, and sensitivity to acute THC challenge.

CBD is increasingly used to treat adolescent conditions like epilepsy and anxiety. This study raises important safety questions about whether early-life CBD exposure has lasting brain effects that persist into adulthood — and whether it could interact with genetic vulnerability.

As CBD is increasingly prescribed to children and adolescents (e.g., Epidiolex for epilepsy), understanding its long-term developmental effects is crucial. This study suggests adolescent CBD exposure may permanently alter brain function in ways that interact with genetic predispositions.

Mouse model — behavioral tests may not translate to human experience. High dose (30 mg/kg IP) exceeds typical human dosing. Only male mice tested. Nrg1 model is one of many schizophrenia risk models. Intraperitoneal route differs from oral administration.