The Potential Impact of CBD on the Effects of THC in EDibles
Key Takeaways:
- CBD, when consumed in edible form with THC, may slow THC’s metabolism and potentially intensify and extend the drug’s effects, contrary to popular belief that CBD offsets negative side effects of marijuana.
- The use of CBD has surged since the ban on hemp cultivation was lifted in 2018, and it now appears in a wide variety of products, from oils and lotions to gummies and cookies.
- There is insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate the claims of CBD’s health benefits and much to unravel about how CBD interacts with medications. The rate of CBD’s popularization has outpaced our understanding of it.
- Studies show that co-ingesting THC and CBD can cause significant impairment in psychomotor functions, working memory, and attention, increase heart rate, and raise THC blood levels more than THC alone.
- Experts urge consumers to approach CBD with caution, especially if they are taking other medications. They recognize the lack of control and regulation over the quality and quantity of CBD in products, and the need for further research into CBD’s interactions with different medications.
It is a common belief that cannabidiol (CBD) can mitigate negative effects associated with marijuana. However, recent research suggests that, in the context of edibles, it may actually intensify these effects.
An Unexpected Observation
Investigators provided a group of volunteers with a serving of marijuana-infused brownies and observed the expected results. Yet, surprising outcomes were seen when brownies containing both Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the key component of marijuana) and CBD were tested. These combined ingredient brownies resulted in substantially greater impairment than those made solely with THC.
Notably, these brownies heightened users’ heart rates considerably, causing more significant deficits in memory and attention tests. Contrary to popular belief that CBD offsets marijuana’s unwanted side effects like anxiety and sedation, individuals reported feeling worse after consuming the THC/CBD brownie.
Exploring the Effect
Austin Zamarripa, a postdoctoral researcher at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, commented on the significantly remarkable effects. He cites evidence suggesting that CBD may slow THC’s metabolism when consumed in an edible form, potentially intensifying and extending the drug’s effects.
CBD: A Prolific Substance Yet to be Fully Understood
CBD is present in hundreds of substances within cannabis plants like marijuana and hemp. More prevalent in hemp (which contains significantly less THC than marijuana), the use of CBD has surged since the ban on hemp cultivation was lifted in 2018. Soon after, CBD started appearing in a variety of products like oils, lotions, gummies and cookies, promising relief from chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, among other conditions.
However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate these effects and there is still much to unravel about how CBD interacts with medications. Regrettably, the rapid rate of CBD’s popularization has outpaced our understanding of it.
CBD in Confluence with THC
With the surge in marijuana legalization and consequent use of edibles, research has been conducted to understand if and how CBD and THC might interact when ingested orally. The findings showed that co-ingesting THC and CBD caused significantly more impairment in psychomotor functions, working memory and attention, in addition to an increase in heart rate and THC blood levels, contrasted with THC alone.
Exceptional Caution
These findings highlight the need for caution while using these products, especially in tandem with other medications. People often wrongly assume that CBD, due to its widespread use and purported health benefits, is proven to be safe and effective.
Both Lurie, president of the non-profit Centre for Science in the Public Interest, and Zamarripa urge consumers to approach CBD products with caution, especially if they are taking medications. They acknowledge the need for more control and regulation over the quality and quantity of CBD in various products, and for more research into how it interacts with different medications.
Unfortunately, clear advice about CBD’s interaction with specific medications is scarce, making it challenging for people to access accurate information.
This research was published on February 13 in JAMA Network Open (DOI: Not Provided).
More information can be found on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s page on CBD.
