Study finds CBD may boost the psychotropic impact of THC

In recent years, as the use of cannabis becomes more widespread, there has been increasing interest in understanding how different cannabinoids interact. Among these, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most widely recognised.

THC is well-known for its psychoactive properties, while CBD has often been thought to counteract these effects. However, new research is challenging this assumption.

Insights from the new study

A team of researchers from the United States and the Netherlands recently published a study examining the combined effects of THC and CBD. The research was conducted by experts affiliated with the Centre for Human Drug Research in Leiden, Verdient Science, Tomori Pharmacology, and the University of Vermont.

Their findings were presented in the journal of the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, raising new questions about the role of CBD in cannabis use.

The study aimed to test whether CBD could mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC, which could potentially improve the overall experience of cannabis users, especially for those using it for non-recreational purposes.

It involved a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 37 participants. These individuals were given various combinations of THC and CBD to test how different doses of CBD might influence THC's effects.

Key findings from the study

Contrary to popular belief, the results showed that a higher dose of CBD, specifically 450mg, significantly amplified the psychoactive effects of THC. Participants reported a 60.5% increase in the sensation of “feeling high” compared to when they took THC alone. Meanwhile, lower doses of CBD (10mg and 30mg) did not significantly alter THC's effects.

The study also found that CBD did not enhance THC’s pain-relieving qualities, a common assumption among many users.

Future research

The researchers acknowledged the need for further exploration, particularly in understanding why some individuals respond well to cannabinoid-based treatments, while others do not. They suggested that future studies could focus on phenotypical differences between those with neuropathic pain who benefit from cannabinoids and those who do not.

This could help guide more personalised approaches to cannabis-based treatments in the future.

Global cannabis legislation

As cannabis continues to gain legal status in several parts of the world, understanding how different components of the plant work together becomes increasingly important. Countries like Uruguay, Canada, and Malta have fully legalised cannabis for adult use, while many U.S. states have enacted similar legislation.

In the Netherlands, cannabis use is tolerated under certain conditions, although the plant remains illegal. This growing acceptance of cannabis has made research like this even more critical in understanding its full range of effects.

Personal Perspective

As someone who has followed the evolving landscape of cannabis research, this study offers a valuable perspective on how we should approach cannabinoid combinations. The finding that CBD may enhance rather than counteract THC's psychoactive effects is certainly unexpected, particularly given how widely it is believed that CBD can "balance" the high.

While more research is needed, this study reminds us that the interplay between these cannabinoids is far more complex than we previously thought.