Many believe that CBD and THC, the two most well-known compounds in cannabis, balance each other out in the human body. However, recent research suggests this idea may not be as accurate as previously thought.
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis, while CBD (cannabidiol) is non-intoxicating. Often, people assume that CBD can counteract some of THC’s stronger effects, such as intoxication, anxiety, or cognitive impairment. But a new study challenges this common belief.
A recent double-blind clinical trial has found that CBD might not reduce the effects of THC as much as it was previously believed. In fact, at high doses, CBD may actually increase THC’s intoxicating effects rather than diminish them.
What the Study Found
In the trial, participants took 9 milligrams of THC along with 450 milligrams of CBD. Surprisingly, those who took both compounds together reported feeling more intoxicated compared to when they only consumed THC. Researchers also found higher levels of THC and its psychoactive by-products in participants’ blood. This suggests that CBD may slow down the breakdown of THC in the body, which intensifies its effects.
Even with a smaller dose of CBD, about 30 milligrams, similar interactions were observed, but the impact on feelings of intoxication was not as strong.
According to Andriy Gorbenko and the team from the Center for Human Drug Research in the Netherlands, their findings add to growing evidence that CBD doesn’t necessarily counteract the effects of THC. The results challenge the assumption that CBD reduces the impact of THC.
Details of the Trial
The study included healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 45. Each participant had some experience with cannabis, but none had used it for at least three weeks before the experiment. Over five separate sessions, participants took a drug that contained either THC, a combination of THC and CBD, or a placebo. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew which combination was being administered at the time.
Throughout the trial, researchers measured the participants’ feelings of intoxication and pain. They also took blood samples at multiple points over the course of eight hours. The results revealed that while lower doses of CBD didn’t significantly affect THC’s intoxicating effects, higher doses of CBD enhanced the psychoactive impact of THC.
The researchers concluded that the most likely explanation for this was a “drug-drug interaction,” where CBD alters the way THC is metabolized in the body.
No Effect on Pain
Interestingly, the study also found that the level of CBD had no effect on participants’ perceptions of pain. This supports previous research suggesting that CBD alone may not be effective for relieving chronic pain.
Limitations of the Study
It’s important to note that this trial only looked at oral consumption of THC and CBD. Other methods of using cannabis, such as inhalation, have not shown convincing evidence that CBD counteracts THC’s effects either.
Neuropharmacologist Geert Groeneveld, who led the research at the Center for Human Drug Research, explained that their ongoing trials with high doses of CBD have not shown any significant effects on the central nervous system. According to Groeneveld, their tests suggest that CBD does not cause sedation or produce any noticeable effects on the brain when taken by itself.
The Importance of Understanding Cannabis
As cannabis becomes more widely used, especially in the United States where it has surpassed alcohol as the most commonly used recreational drug, understanding how its compounds interact in the body is crucial. The findings from this study highlight the complexity of cannabis and the need for more research into how CBD and THC affect the human body individually and together.
The results of this study were published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. They serve as an important reminder that while CBD and THC are often thought to work in opposition, the reality may be more complicated. As cannabis use continues to grow, gaining a deeper understanding of these compounds and their interactions will be key to ensuring safe and effective use.
Source: Sciencealert.com
