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15 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Most CBD studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2017–2024 with a typical study size of 120 participants.
Based on 15 studies · 5 meta-analyses · 5 RCTs · 120 total participants
Confidence
HighBy outcome
9 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024
In the pivotal Dravet-syndrome trial (NEJM), cannabidiol reduced convulsive-seizure frequency more than placebo (the basis for FDA-approved Epidiolex).
Devinsky O et al. · The New England journal of medicine (2017)
A randomized trial found cannabidiol reduced seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Thiele EA et al. · Lancet (London, England) (2018)
A randomized trial found cannabidiol reduced drop seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Devinsky O et al. · The New England journal of medicine (2018)
A meta-analysis confirmed clinical efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for pediatric refractory epilepsy.
Talwar A et al. · Experimental neurology (2023)
A systematic review/meta-analysis found cannabidiol use was associated with markedly higher odds of liver-enzyme elevation and drug-induced liver injury.
Lo LA et al. · Journal of internal medicine (2023)
A large meta-analysis concluded there is scarce, low-quality evidence that cannabinoids improve depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, or psychosis.
Black N et al. · The lancet. Psychiatry (2019)
An umbrella review weighed the risks and benefits of cannabis/cannabinoid use across many meta-analyses.
Solmi M et al. · BMJ (Clinical research ed.) (2023)
A review detailed cannabinoid (including CBD) inhibition of cytochrome-P450 drug metabolism.
Doohan PT et al. · The AAPS journal (2021)
A pharmacology-based systematic review/meta-analysis assessed medical cannabinoids across indications.
Bilbao A et al. · BMC medicine (2022)
A systematic review/meta-analysis found cannabidiol shows therapeutic potential for anxiety disorders, but the evidence base is still limited.
Han K et al. · Psychiatry research (2024)
A systematic review found CBD may help chronic pain, with most (but not all) studies showing benefit.
Mohammed SYM et al. · Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses (2024)
A clinically-focused review found limited, mixed evidence for cannabinoids in mood and anxiety disorders.
Stanciu CN et al. · Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) (2021)
A randomized pilot found 150mg nightly CBD was similar to placebo on most sleep metrics, though it improved well-being.
Narayan AJ et al. · Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2024)
A clinically-focused systematic review assessed medicinal cannabis for psychiatric disorders.
Sarris J et al. · BMC psychiatry (2020)
A randomized trial found topical cannabidiol oil relieved symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Xu DH et al. · Current pharmaceutical biotechnology (2020)