Skip to content
How a 2011 scientific study predicted my real-world experience pitching to judges for nine months straight
The room was silent except for the scratch of pens on paper.
Five judges sat across from me, their faces unreadable as I wrapped up my latest pitch for Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers program. Nine months of these sessions. Nine months of explaining why Dr. Hemp Me deserved funding for our AI-powered supplement research engine.
Nine months of discovering something I never expected about CBD and performance anxiety.
Last week, when they announced that Dr. Hemp Me had won “Best Business Opportunity,” I realized this journey had taught me as much about the science of calm as it had about building a business.
The Unexpected Discovery
I’ve been in the CBD industry for years. I’ve read countless studies, spoken to hundreds of customers, and formulated products based on scientific research. But until I found myself facing monthly pitch sessions that felt like modern-day Dragon’s Den episodes, I’d never personally tested CBD for performance anxiety.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. Here I was, running a company that sold products for stress and anxiety, and I was experiencing classic presentation nerves before every Enterprise Ireland session.
That’s when I decided to become my own test case.
About an hour before each pitch, I started taking 40mg of our full-spectrum Calm oil. Not a massive dose—well within our normal customer recommendations. Just enough to see if the science I’d been reading about actually translated to real-world pressure situations.
The results surprised even me.
What Changed (And What Didn’t)
The anxiety didn’t disappear entirely. That familiar flutter in the stomach was still there. But something fundamental shifted in how my mind and body handled the stress.
Before CBD:
- Racing thoughts that jumped between topics
- Physical tension that made my voice tight
- A tendency to speak too quickly or lose my train of thought
- Post-presentation replaying of every perceived mistake
After CBD:
- Thoughts stayed organized and sequential
- Voice remained steady and clear
- Natural pacing that felt conversational rather than rushed
- Ability to think clearly if judges asked unexpected questions
- Less post-pitch anxiety spiraling
The key difference wasn’t sedation or disconnection. It was clarity under pressure.
The Science That Explains It All
Curious about what was happening, I used our new AI research tool to dig into the scientific literature on CBD and public speaking anxiety. That’s when I discovered a landmark 2011 study that seemed to predict exactly what I was experiencing.
The Brazilian Study That Changed Everything
Published in Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers from the University of São Paulo conducted what remains one of the most cited studies on CBD and social anxiety. The setup was ingenious in its simplicity—and terrifying in its realism.
The Participants:
- 24 people with diagnosed Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- All were treatment-naïve (never received therapy or medication)
- Split into two groups: CBD and placebo
The Test:
- Participants had to give a 4-minute speech about public transportation in their city
- They were filmed while speaking
- They could see themselves on a TV monitor during the speech
- The speech was interrupted halfway through for measurements
- Judges observed and took notes throughout
If you’ve ever experienced social anxiety, this scenario probably made your palms sweat just reading it.
The Dramatic Results
The findings were striking. Participants who received CBD showed:
- Significantly reduced anxiety during both anticipation and performance phases
- Improved cognitive function with less mental fog and better focus
- Reduced physical discomfort and fewer stress-related body symptoms
- Better self-evaluation with less negative self-talk during the speech
Most remarkably, the CBD group’s anxiety scores dropped so low they became statistically similar to a control group of people with no anxiety disorder at all.
The placebo group, meanwhile, showed all the classic signs of social anxiety: elevated stress hormones, negative self-evaluation, and impaired performance.
The Dose That Surprises Everyone
Here’s where the study gets interesting for practical application. The researchers used 600mg of pure CBD isolate—a massive dose that’s far higher than what anyone needs in daily life.
Why so high? Because academic researchers aim for crystal-clear results. They wanted to ensure any effects would be measurable and statistically significant. Think of it as “turning up the volume” on the intervention to see definitive proof of concept.
But in my real-world pitching experience, I was using about 40mg of full-spectrum CBD oil—roughly one-fifteenth of the study dose.
Why Lower Doses Work in Practice
The difference comes down to the type of CBD and the entourage effect:
Study Protocol:
- Pure CBD isolate (99.9% cannabidiol)
- Single molecule, no other compounds
- Dissolved in corn oil
- One-time mega-dose approach
Real-World Application:
- Full-spectrum CBD oil
- Contains multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids
- Natural synergy between compounds (entourage effect)
- Consistent daily dosing builds cumulative benefits
It’s like comparing a single trumpet playing at maximum volume versus a full orchestra playing in harmony. The orchestra achieves richer, more nuanced effects at lower individual volumes.
The Neuroscience Behind the Calm
The study’s brain imaging revealed fascinating insights into how CBD affects anxiety at the neurological level.
CBD appears to work on several key brain regions:
The Amygdala: Often called the brain’s “alarm system,” this region triggers fight-or-flight responses. CBD helps modulate amygdala hyperactivity, reducing the intensity of threat perception.
Hippocampus: Critical for memory formation and emotional processing. CBD supports healthier stress response patterns and prevents excessive rumination.
Prefrontal Cortex: The brain’s executive center responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation. CBD enhances connectivity here, improving cognitive control under pressure.
5-HT1A Receptors: These serotonin receptors are key to mood regulation. CBD acts as an agonist at these sites, promoting feelings of calm and well-being.
This multi-target approach explains why CBD’s anti-anxiety effects feel different from pharmaceutical interventions. Rather than dampening all emotions or cognitive function, it seems to optimize the brain’s natural stress response systems.
From Lab to Real Life: Nine Months of Testing
Armed with this scientific understanding, I became more intentional about using CBD for my Enterprise Ireland presentations. Each pitch became both a business opportunity and a personal experiment in applied neuroscience.
The Protocol I Developed
Timing: 60-90 minutes before each presentation Dose: 40mg of full-spectrum CBD oil Method: Sublingual (under the tongue) for faster absorption Consistency: Same routine for every session
What I Learned About Optimal Use
Timing Matters: The study showed peak effects 90 minutes post-dose, which aligned perfectly with my experience. Taking CBD too close to presentation time (30 minutes or less) didn’t provide the same benefits.
Less Is Often More: Higher doses (75mg+) occasionally made me feel slightly drowsy. The sweet spot seemed to be in the 30-50mg range for acute anxiety management.
Preparation Still Counts: CBD enhanced my natural preparation, but it wasn’t magic. I still needed to know my material and practice my delivery.
Consistency Builds Confidence: Knowing I had a reliable tool for managing presentation anxiety made me more willing to take on challenging speaking opportunities.
The Broader Implications for Performance Anxiety
The 2011 study and my personal experience highlight something important about CBD’s role in performance situations. This isn’t about “getting high” or escaping reality—it’s about optimizing your brain’s natural ability to handle pressure.
Common Performance Anxiety Triggers That CBD May Help:
- Job interviews where clear thinking is crucial
- Medical appointments that cause anticipatory anxiety
- First dates or social situations with high stakes
- Driving tests or practical examinations
- Video calls and virtual presentations
- Confrontational conversations requiring emotional regulation
What CBD Doesn’t Do (Setting Realistic Expectations)
It’s important to be honest about limitations:
- CBD isn’t a confidence booster in the traditional sense—it won’t make you more charismatic or outgoing
- It doesn’t eliminate all anxiety—some nervousness can actually improve performance
- It’s not a substitute for preparation—you still need to know your material
- It won’t fix underlying trauma—deep-seated fears may require professional therapy
- Effects vary between individuals—optimal doses and timing differ for everyone
The Quality Question: Why Full-Spectrum Matters
The study used pharmaceutical-grade CBD isolate, but our customer experience consistently shows better results with full-spectrum oils. Here’s why:
The Entourage Effect in Action
Full-spectrum CBD contains:
- Primary cannabinoids: CBD, CBG, CBC, trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%)
- Terpenes: Aromatic compounds that influence mood and stress response
- Flavonoids: Antioxidant compounds that support overall wellness
- Minor cannabinoids: Over 100 additional compounds that may enhance CBD’s effects
These compounds work synergistically, meaning the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Research suggests this explains why lower doses of full-spectrum products often outperform higher doses of isolates.
What to Look for in CBD for Anxiety
Based on the study and practical experience:
- Third-party lab testing for potency and purity
- Full-spectrum or broad-spectrum formulations
- Organic hemp sources without pesticides
- CO2 extraction methods that preserve beneficial compounds
- Consistent dosing information and clear labeling
The New Frontiers Win: Validation of Approach
When Enterprise Ireland announced that Dr. Hemp Me had won Best Business Opportunity for our AI-powered supplement research engine, I felt a profound sense of validation—not just for the business concept, but for the approach that got us there.
Those nine months of pitches, supported by CBD for anxiety management, had taught me something valuable about the intersection of science and real-world application. The 2011 study provided the theoretical framework, but consistent personal testing proved the practical value.
Lessons for Other Entrepreneurs
Running a business involves constant high-pressure situations:
- Investor pitches and funding meetings
- Board presentations and stakeholder updates
- Media interviews and public speaking
- Difficult customer conversations
- Team meetings during crises
Having a reliable, science-backed tool for managing performance anxiety can be genuinely transformative for business outcomes.
The Future of CBD and Performance Enhancement
The 2011 study was groundbreaking, but it was just the beginning. Recent research is exploring:
- Optimal dosing protocols for different anxiety triggers
- Combination therapies with other natural compounds
- Personalized medicine approaches based on individual biochemistry
- Long-term effects of consistent CBD use for anxiety management
As our understanding deepens, we’re likely to see more targeted applications for specific performance scenarios.
Practical Implementation: Your Action Plan
If you’re considering CBD for performance anxiety, here’s a framework based on both the scientific literature and practical experience:
Start Small and Track Results
- Begin with 10-20mg doses
- Test in low-stakes situations first
- Keep a simple log of dose, timing, and effects
- Gradually adjust based on your response
Timing Is Everything
- Take CBD 60-90 minutes before high-pressure situations
- Allow time for absorption and onset
- Don’t expect immediate effects like caffeine
Choose Quality Over Price
- Invest in third-party tested products
- Look for full-spectrum formulations
- Verify the company’s reputation and transparency
Combine with Other Stress Management Tools
- Continue using proven techniques like deep breathing
- Maintain good sleep and exercise habits
- Consider CBD as one tool in a comprehensive approach
Final Thoughts: From Science to Success
Standing on that Enterprise Ireland stage with the Best Business Opportunity award, I reflected on how a 13-year-old scientific study had predicted my own experience so accurately. The Brazilian researchers who put people through simulated public speaking tests had identified something profound about CBD’s potential for anxiety management.
But science is only as good as its real-world application. The study provided the roadmap; nine months of pitching provided the proof of concept.
For anyone dealing with performance anxiety—whether it’s Monday morning meetings, job interviews, or literal pitches to judges—the combination of solid science and consistent practice offers genuine hope. CBD isn’t magic, but when used thoughtfully and consistently, it can provide the mental clarity and emotional balance that transforms pressure from a threat into an opportunity.
The ancient phrase “know thyself” has never been more relevant. Understanding both the science and your personal response to it creates a powerful foundation for performing at your best when it matters most.
Ready to explore CBD for your own performance anxiety? Our Calm Formula is third-party tested, full-spectrum, and designed for the dosing ranges shown effective in clinical research.
