# Cannabidiol Cortical Effects: Clinical Trial Data > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-cortical-effects-clinical-trial-data/ > **Published:** 2026-04-25T23:44:39-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:54:45-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabidiol cortical effects clinical trial data revealing CBD's role in seizure treatment and its interaction with other medications. --- #### Clinical Takeaway CBD alone does not directly reduce brain electrical activity in the way traditional seizure medications do, based on testing in healthy adults. Its anti-seizure benefits in conditions like [Dravet syndrome](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-for-epilepsy-treatment-rare-forms/) appear to come primarily from interactions with other seizure medications rather than from CBD’s direct effects on the brain. This finding helps explain why CBD works best as an add-on therapy rather than as a standalone treatment. ### #11 Cannabidiol Lacks Direct Effect on Cortical Excitability: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, 3-Way Crossover Trial. **Citation:** Gorbenko Andriy A et al. *Cannabidiol Lacks Direct Effect on Cortical Excitability: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled, 3-Way Crossover Trial.* [Clinical pharmacology](https://cedclinic.com/temporary-placement-bromazolam-schedule-i/) and therapeutics. 2026. PMID: 40836528. **Study type:** Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial  |  **Topic area:** Cannabidiol  |  **CED Score:** 11 Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 0 Recency: 3 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: 0 **Abstract:** Cannabidiol (CBD) is approved as an adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis. Its therapeutic and [adverse effects](https://cedclinic.com/physician-concerns-cannabis-health-effects-washington/) are thought to arise, at least partly, from a pharmacokinetic interaction with clobazam, another anti-seizure medication (ASM). The goal of this study was to evaluate the intrinsic anti-epileptic and sedative properties of CBD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-way crossover trial was conducted in 25 healthy males. On each visit, single doses of 30 mg CBD, 700 mg CBD, or placebo were administered orally. The effects of CBD on cortical excitability were measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) combined with electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG). Sedative properties were assessed using a validated CNS test battery. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. CBD did not have significant effects on single pulse and paired pulse TMS-EMG parameters, compared to placebo. Some significant clusters were seen on paired pulse TMS-EEG at 3 hours post-dose for 30 mg CBD, and at 3 and 5 hours post-dose for 700 mg CBD. CBD did not have significant effects on any tests assessing its sedative properties. These results suggest that CBD may lack intrinsic anti-epileptic and sedative properties and that its effects could be primarily a product of interactions with other drugs, notably clobazam.  |   |  [View on PubMed ↗](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40836528/)[Full Text ↗](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12746520/)[DOI ↗](https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.70038) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. 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[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-cortical-excitability-clinical-trial-data/) [Cannabidiol Effects on Cortical Excitability: Evidence from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-anti-seizure-activity-cortical-excitability-trial/) Explore evidence from a rigorous [clinical study](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-hyperemesis-syndrome-psychiatric-risk/) assessing cannabidiol's anti-seizure activity and cortical excitability effects. [Explore Study](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-anti-seizure-activity-cortical-excitability-trial/) [Cannabidiol Effects on Brain Excitability: Clinical Trial Findings](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-lacks-intrinsic-anti-epileptic-properties-trial/) Discover clinical trial findings on cannabidiol's impact on brain excitability and its potential therapeutic roles. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-lacks-intrinsic-anti-epileptic-properties-trial/) Have thoughts on this? 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