The traditional narrative of THC and CBD opposing each other’s effects may not hold true, according to a recent clinical trial. While THC is known for its intoxicating properties, CBD is often touted as a calming antidote. However, the results of the study suggest that this may not be the case. Instead of mitigating the negative side effects of THC, CBD might actually enhance its intoxicating effects at higher doses.
In the double-blinded clinical trial, participants were given a combination of 9 milligrams of THC and 450 milligrams of CBD. Surprisingly, they reported feeling significantly more ‘high’ in both body and mind compared to when they took THC alone. Blood tests showed increased levels of THC and its psychoactive metabolites, indicating that CBD might be hindering the metabolism of THC in the body, thereby amplifying its effects.
The study involved healthy male and female volunteers aged 18 to 45, all of whom had previous experience with cannabis. These participants were given different combinations of THC, CBD, and placebos on separate occasions, with neither the participants nor the researchers knowing the contents of the doses. Subjective feelings of pain and intoxication were measured at various intervals, and blood samples were taken to analyze the pharmacokinetics of the compounds.
While lower doses of CBD did not seem to influence the intoxicating effects of THC, the highest dose of CBD had a significant impact on various psychoactive measures. The researchers speculate that a drug-drug interaction is at play, with CBD acting as the perpetrator drug and THC as the victim drug. Interestingly, the level of CBD did not affect participants’ subjective ratings of pain, in line with previous studies that found CBD alone does not relieve chronic pain.
It is important to note that this trial was relatively small and focused solely on oral ingestion of CBD and THC. Inhalation studies have not yet provided concrete evidence that CBD can counteract the effects of THC. However, the researchers at the Center for Human Drug Research continue to explore the effects of very high doses of CBD on the human body.
As cannabis becomes increasingly popular as a recreational drug, understanding the interactions between THC and CBD is crucial. The findings of this study challenge the common belief that CBD can balance out the intoxicating effects of THC. Further research is needed to explore the complexities of these interactions and their implications for cannabis users.
The myth of CBD as a counterbalance to the effects of THC may need to be reevaluated in light of this new clinical trial. The results suggest that high doses of CBD may actually enhance the intoxicating effects of THC, challenging the traditional narrative of these two compounds. As research in this area continues to evolve, it is essential to approach the use of cannabis with a critical and informed perspective.