Marijuana, and its two main compounds — THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) — has been extensively studied for both recreational and medicinal purposes.
Traditionally, it was believed that CBD counteracted THC’s psychoactive effects, such as intoxication and anxiety. However, recent evidence is challenging this assumption, showing that CBD might not always moderate THC’s effects as previously thought.
Challenging the CBD-THC Balance Hypothesis
A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has called into question the idea that CBD consistently reduces THC’s psychoactive impacts.
The study found that high doses of CBD may actually enhance THC’s intoxicating effects. Participants who took 450 mg of CBD alongside 9 mg of THC reported stronger sensations of intoxication compared to those who took THC alone.
Blood tests revealed increased levels of THC and its psychoactive metabolites, suggesting that high levels of CBD may inhibit THC metabolism, extending its effects.
At lower doses (30 mg), CBD did not have the same effect, indicating a dose-dependent interaction. Despite previous claims, the trial found no evidence that CBD reduces THC-induced intoxication at any level, challenging the notion that CBD consistently moderates THC’s psychoactivity.
Cannabinoid Interactions Are More Complex Than Prevously Thought
The new findings suggest that the interaction between CBD and THC may be more complex than previously thought. Lead researcher Andriy Gorbenko and his team at the Center for Human Drug Research suggest that CBD’s effects may be due to a drug-drug interaction, influencing THC’s metabolism rather than directly affecting the central nervous system.
This trial, published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, underscores the need for further research into these cannabinoid interactions, particularly for informing medical applications and public health discussions.
Chris Lee, B.S.
Contributing Author
Chris Lee is a medical writer with a passion for educating patients and consumers about health news and best practices in medicine.
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