Today: Mar 28, 2024

CBD study on campus looking for participants

Sofia RositaniEditor-in-Chief

Sarah SheltonFeatures Editor

Ian ReynoldsContributor

Human performance program coordinator of the health and movement science department, William Lunn has recently begun testing on volunteers the effects and potential benefits of Cannabidiol oil, known as CBD oil. 

According to the university’s website, “Southern is one of only 153 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine® for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. The university earned gold-level designation from the Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) program.” 

Lunn said he is hoping to find a safer treatment for anxiety, blood pressure, and post exercise inflammation.  

“More than 60 percent of CBD users have taken it for anxiety, according to a survey of 5,000 people, conducted by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market research firm. Chronic pain, insomnia and depression follow behind,” according to the NyTimes. 

Presently, the study is looking for volunteers that would be compensated for their time in up to 200 dollars’ worth of Amazon gift cards.  

“One thing to know about CBD, is that sometimes if people don’t know about it, they lump it into recreational marijuana use. CBD comes from a certain strand of cannabis that has very low amounts of THC, Generally CBD is very well tolerated by the human body making it safe in large doses. Aside from someone who might have an allergy to CBD it is completely safe,” Dr. Lunn said. 

The study is predicted to take about a year as greater numbers of volunteers are needed.  

“Cannabidiol and THC are just two of the plant’s more than 100 cannabinoids. THC is psychoactive, and CBD may or may not be, which is a matter of debate. THC can increase anxiety; it is not clear what effect CBD is having, if any, in reducing it. THC can lead to addiction and cravings; CBD is being studied to help those in recovery,” according to the NyTimes.  

Presently, Dr. Lunn is searching for people with full COVID-19 vaccination, have not used cannabis products in the last 14 days and, can adhere to a schedule of exercise over the period in which the tests are conducted.  

With talk around campus, some students have already heard about this study happening, while others have not. 

“I have heard about the tests they are doing on campus. I have never personally used CBD products, but I know several people who use them as treatments for migraines, pain, etc. They have reported dramatic success,” said chemistry major Jacob Stephens, a freshman.  

Many see success with CBD products, but according to mayoclinic.org, “while CBD is being studied as a treatment for a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and anxiety, research supporting the drug’s benefits is still limited.” 

Research on CBD may be limited, but that is what the researchers at the university’s health and movement science department are trying to figure out. 

Cultural Anthropology major Brynn Stangarone, a freshman said, “I’ve never heard about the tests on campus, but I have used CBD products before, I’ll have to check out the program.”  

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