Rationale: Despite clear evidence of THC’s negative impact on memory, there’s still a large gap in knowledge about the role of CBD on cognition (Bossong, 2013). About 1 in 10 American adults have used CBD products in the last 30 days (Park, 2025). Many people believe that CBD-dominant compounds cannot affect memory. Is this true?

Working memory holds and interprets new information for the ability to comprehend, focus, and be aware in present time. An example of working memory is taking notes in a lecture. One has to listen to the teacher, retain the information in their head, and then write it in words, all at the same time!

This study examined how CannEpil, a pharmaceutical formulation containing mostly CBD, affects working memory (Manning, 2024). 

Method: 31 healthy adults, with no history of substance abuse or dependence, abstained from drug use for at least two weeks before and during the study. 45 minutes after their drug or placebo exposure, participants were assessed for working and visuospatial memory.

Results: The CannEpil group took more time to identify patterns they had seen 10-20 minutes prior, indicating poor visuospatial memory. Additionally, the CannEpil group made more spatial memory errors. 

Meaning: Although many report that CBD has benefits, this study suggests it may reduce working and visuospatial memory. This is important to consider, as working memory impacts day-to-day tasks and reaction time.