How CBD Counteracts THC

A multitude of compounds and substances generate our beloved cannabis plant, which includes more than a hundred cannabinoids. Many studies have shown that the interaction between the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have various positive effects on the human body and psyche. Let’s investigate the matter.

Studies have proven that CBD shows positive effects in autoimmune diseases, metabolism irregularities, inflammation, fatigue, neuropathic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis, bone fracture, epilepsy, anorexia, the list continues for miles.

THC and CBD fit into cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system modulates the bodily functions such as sleep, appetite, cognition and anxiety levels. Our body produces natural cannabinoids and can, of course, be supplemented with external cannabinoids which are present in marijuana. The THC has a high binding affinity with the CB1 receptors, which are located in the brain, central nervous system (CNS), gonads, glands and other organs. The CB1 receptors are also responsible for the euphoric psychoactive “high” feeling, pain relief, and much more.

On the other hand, CBD is a non-psychoactive substance, it doesn’t get you “high”. CBD works together with CB1 and CB2 receptors, although it has a very significant function in CB2 receptors, which are located in the immune system, in organs like thymus gland, spleen, and tonsils. It regulates the immune system and intestinal inflammation response, which is deficient in Crohn’s and IBS patients. CBD stagnates the elimination of natural cannabinoids and binds to some receptors responsible for physical and mental health. CB2 receptors are also located in the brain, but not to the same extent as CB1.

When the THC and CBD combine, magic happens. There is a common term “entourage effect” which means that both substances, THC and CBD enhance the positive qualities of the other. For example, pure THC can cause anxiety and stress, however, when CBD is mixed in, many users experience relaxation and the onset of positive feels. CBD is shown to improve the pain killing properties of THC.

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid present in marijuana plants, after THC. Cannabis strains can differ greatly in THC:CBD ratio. Different ratios will create different experiences. There are many studies going on which directly link the THC:CBD ratio to the "high" experience. For example, there are strains with 20%+ THC levels, like Girl Scout Cookies (22% THC:0.4% CBD) or Blue Dream (20% THC:0.15% CBD); these strains are great and enjoyed by plenty, but they might be too intense for users that experience anxiety or stress. Medical cannabis which usually contains more than 4% CBD such as Harlequin (6% THC:12% CBD) could be great for users that experience anxiety, because CBD is shown to tranquilize the adverse effects of THC. It's important to note that the same strain may affect users in different ways. Scientific research is still needed.

There are many scientific studies that seek to discover the amazing collaboration of THC and CBD. Studies are always a better reference point for obtaining reliable data. It’s important to note that many scientific studies utilize pure THC on their subjects, which does not occur in the natural environment. The THC in cannabis is always going to be mixed with CBD and hundreds of different compounds.

A study conducted by Celia J. A. Morgan and colleagues concluded that strains with higher CBD content are better for the memory than strains with low CBD. The study concludes that “Unlike the marked impairment in prose recall of individuals who smoked cannabis low in cannabidiol, participants smoking cannabis high in cannabidiol showed no memory impairment”.

Another study shows that CBD is better for grey matter (GM) in the hippocampus, due to its neuroprotective properties. The conclusion declares that “Higher THC and lower CBD was associated with this volume reduction indicating neurotoxic effects of THC and neuroprotective effects of CBD”.

This study shows that CBD can, in fact, show antipsychotic effects. This study had three groups, THC only subjects, THC+CBD subjects and subjects with neither. The results of the study present that THC+CBD subjects show lower levels of psychotic feelings.

All pro-CBD blogs and articles need to be taken with a pinch of salt. For example, this study shows that pure CBD mixed with pure THC has positive effects in killing glioma cancer cells “pretreating (glioma) cells with THC-P and CBD-P together for 4 hours before irradiation increased their radiosensitivity when compared with pretreatment with either of the cannabinoids individually”. It’s important to note that the subjects were still under the treatment of radiation and did not consume these cannabinoids by themselves, which “cured them of cancer”. This leads to another point, when taking CBD and THC it’s best to consult our local physician, but wait, it’s illegal to consume cannabis in most countries! Henceforth, we need to perpetually persevere to legalize cannabis, so that more studies can be conducted and cannabis patients can get their specific cannabis treatment which they need.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between THC and CBD continues to show positive results in many studies. We need to push the cannabis culture forward, and support scientists to create more studies surrounding the cannabis compounds and their medical potentials. Imagine a world, you enter a marijuana dispensary where they provide the perfectly suited cannabis specifically for your needs! It’s already happening in multiple countries and states, but expansion is essential!