Sex-dependent differences in the anxiolytic-like effect of cannabidiol in the elevated plus-maze

Abstract Rationale: Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of anxiety. Most preclinical studies investigate only acute effects of CBD and only in males, yet the drug is most likely to be used over a sustained period in clinical practice. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the anxiolytic-like effect of CBD in female rats compared to males and to determine whether the responsiveness of females was influenced by the stage