Cannabis has long been a subject of controversy and fascination, with the complex interplay between its two primary cannabinoids, THC and CBD, sparking both intrigue and debate among researchers and users alike.
A groundbreaking study has now emerged that defies conventional wisdom surrounding these compounds, revealing that the combination of high-dose CBD and THC in edibles can actually amplify the psychoactive effects and adverse reactions experienced by users.
This provocative finding not only challenges long-held assumptions about the protective role of CBD, but also underscores the importance of understanding the intricate dynamics between these cannabinoids for the rapidly evolving cannabis industry and its consumers.
New research challenges assumptions
Researchers uncovered evidence challenging conventional beliefs about cannabis: adding 650mg of CBD to a brownie containing 20mg of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC appears to intensify THC’s effects on users, including adverse reactions.
Cannabis users generally assume that CBD mitigates the less desirable effects of THC, such as paranoia, memory problems, drowsiness, and increased heart rate.
However, previous clinical studies in this area have shown conflicting results; some suggest that CBD may enhance THC’s effects, while others argue the opposite, and others still assert that CBD has no impact on the body’s response to THC or the user’s experiences.
To increase the data pool on this topic, researchers chose to administer edibles instead of smoking or vaping. This approach also allowed for more precise dosing of cannabinoids.
The double-blind, randomized, controlled trial took place at the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit in the United States from January 2021 to March 2022.
Participants engaged in three 14-hour sessions, during which they consumed brownies containing specific amounts of THC and CBD or a placebo brownie without cannabis.
Participants also received a “cocktail” of commonly used drugs, including coffee and four other substances like blood pressure medication. This combination was given to researchers to better understand cannabis’s interactions with these substances.
Subjects were assessed based on their personal perception and interpretation of the brownie’s effects, their cognitive and psychomotor performance, and their vital signs.
CBD contributed to adverse reactions
The data collected revealed that brownies containing THC and a high amount of CBD caused more severe adverse effects than those without CBD.
For each session, participants arrived at 7:30 a.m. and consumed a standard low-fat breakfast before having an intravenous catheter inserted into a forearm vein for serial blood collection.
Afterward, a baseline blood sample (10 mL) was taken, along with baseline assessments, which included vital signs (heart rate and blood pressure), cognitive and psychomotor performance, and subjective drug effects.
After completing baseline assessments, participants consumed a brownie (about 1 hour after breakfast) and were given the ‘cocktail’ approximately 30 minutes later.
Participants underwent PD evaluations and provided blood and urine samples at specific intervals for 12 hours following CYP cocktail administration.
The study’s conclusion stated:
“the present study evaluated the association of high dose Δ9-THC when ingested alone and in combination with high dose CBD in healthy adults who were infrequent cannabis users. Overall, ingestion of Δ9-THC + CBD produced more pronounced effects, greater impairment of cognitive and psychomotor function, and increases in HR relative to both Δ9-THC and placebo.”
