Author ORCID Identifier:
Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Psychological Science
Advisor/Mentor
Leen-Feldner, Ellen
Committee Member
Zamboanga, Byron
Second Committee Member
Shields, Grant
Keywords
ADHD; attention; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; Cannabigerol; CBG
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that often persist into adulthood. Current treatments are limited by side effects, low fidelity, limited access, and cost, which warrants research on alternative treatment strategies. Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa L. plant with recent pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action suggesting therapeutic effects for ADHD-related outcomes (e.g., improved attention). Preliminary human survey work suggests similar effects, and both animal and human administration studies suggest CBG is safe and well-tolerated. Therefore, the current randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the potential effects of an acute dose of 80mg CBG compared to placebo on a series of ADHD-relevant cognitive tasks and self-report measures. Participants included 49 individuals (36 females; Mage = 23.86 [SD = 8.55]) meeting diagnostic criteria for ADHD (assessed via clinical interview) who took part in a single laboratory acute administration session with a one-week follow-up period. It was hypothesized that, relative to those in control group, participants randomized to the CBG group would evidence improvement on cognitive tasks measuring response inhibition, attention/prcessing speed, verbal memory, and risky decision making. In addition, changes in self-reported risk-taking and hyperactivity/inattention symptoms were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Results from cognitive tasks showed that participants in the 80mg CBG condition showed improved attention and processing speed on the DSST, and reduced verbal recall on the RAVLT; no other cognitive tasks showed meaningful differences. Additionally, self-report findings showed that most subjective outcomes were comparable between conditions; however, participants in the CBG condition reported lower levels of impulsivity and higher levels of coordination relative to placebo. In conclusion, these findings suggest that acute CBG administration may produce domain specific effects in ADHD-related outcomes rather than broad effects across cognitive or behavioral domains. Importantly, CBG was well tolerated, with minimal adverse events. Collectively, this study contributes to the limited human literature on CBG and highlights the need for further research on dosing, formulation, and long-term effects.
Citation
Ferretti, M. (2026). CBG and Attention: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Examining the Effects of Cannabigerol on Indicators of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6251
