CBD: only 51% of products accurate
A 2022 study of 80 commercially available CBD products found that just over half actually contained the amount of CBD stated on their labels.
Where this was said
#14 CBD — $5 Billion Market, Almost No Evidence
At 41:30 · chapter starts 38:10
CBD commands a $5 billion market, but the underlying science is nearly nonexistent for anxiety. Drew walks through a 2024 meta-analysis that screened 1,550 research papers and found only 8 met quality criteria, covering 316 people total. Even those 8 produced a confidence interval so wide that researchers concluded the effect size was 'either amazing or basically nothing.' Two additional problems compound the issue: some studies found that exactly 300mg is required (while commercial products offer 10–50mg), and a 2022 study found that barely half of 80 tested products actually contained their labeled CBD dose. Manson concludes it's likely placebo, and the pair discuss how it reached peak hype in the late 2010s before gradually fading.
CBD: 8 Usable Studies Out of 1,550
A 2024 meta-analysis screened 1,550 CBD research papers and found only 8 good enough to include — covering just 316 people total. Even those 8 had a confidence interval so wide that researchers could only say it's either great or does nothing. The $5 billion CBD market runs on almost zero real science.
CBD: only 8 usable studies out of 1,550
A 2024 meta-analysis screened 1,550 CBD studies but could only include 8 due to poor quality, covering just 316 participants total — making the evidence base essentially meaningless.
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20 habit techniques tested; almost none worked
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Tiny habit users stick to the FULL habit more
People given a tiny-habit fallback option (e.g. 10 squats instead of gym) were actually MORE successful at completing the full habit, not less.
Habit reflection = standout technique
The most effective habit-formation technique was 'habit reflection' — recalling a past successful habit, writing down what helped, then applying those lessons to a new habit.
Behavioral activation rivals CBT for depression
A study found that simply scheduling enjoyable activities was as effective as standard cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, leading to its own therapy called behavioral activation.
Worry time: batch all worries to 5 PM
The 'worry time' technique — deferring all worries to a designated time of day — helps people realize they have more control over worry than they thought and reveals it is less useful than it feels.
Sleeping faster by trying to stay awake
A study found that participants told to try to stay awake while in bed fell asleep faster than participants told to try to sleep — illustrating the paradox of direct effort.
Social anxiety eliminated in ~6 months
Spencer Greenberg reduced his severe social anxiety dramatically in roughly 6 months through a structured exposure therapy hierarchy, culminating in asking strangers for hugs.
