Does CBD counteract the effects of THC?

The relationship between THC and CBD has always been a subject of research due to the different effects that both cannabinoids produce in the body. In this sense, the recurring question on everyone’s mind is whether CBD counteracts the effects of THC.

It is important to know how CBD and THC are related, as well as the effects that each produce in the body. Many people are interested in smoking marijuana oil, but do not want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC.

How does CBD cancel out the effects of THC?

When our body absorbs the cannabinoid delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it produces psychoactive results. The result is due to THC’s affinity for brain receptors, specifically the CB1 receptor. The CB1 receptor is the most common receptor in our brain and is found in large quantities in the limbic system.

The limbic system is a group of structures on either side of the thalamus, which is located in the middle part of the brain. These include the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, as well as other surrounding regions.

Emotion, appetite, thirst, pain, enjoyment, among other things, are all regulated by this system. Furthermore, the bending of this mechanism can lead to psychoactive effects similar to those experienced when consuming cannabis.

As a result, things like CBD gummies have become more common. However, how can CBD cannabidiol counteract the psychoactive effects of THC?

CBD counteracts THC

CBD and its interaction with the CB1 receptor

There have been conflicting theories about how CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor in the past. CBD was once thought to have little effect on the CB1 receptor, but was later found to be a weak antagonist, binding to the same site as THC or anandamide and blocking activation.

CBD, on the other hand, is a negative allosteric modulator, meaning it binds to a site on the CB1 receptor that is different from THC’s binding site, according to 2017 research.

The receptor site where THC binds is important as it changes shape as a result of this binding. This results in less binding of THC and less activation of the CB1 receptor.

CBD supplementation reduced the potency and efficacy of 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) and THC, according to a 2015 report published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, which classifies CBD as a negative allosteric modulator.

CBD vs THC: evidence suggests mixed results

It is tempting to believe that CBD can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, but the evidence is mixed. CBD diminished the effects of THC in some cases and exacerbated the effects of THC in others. Also, we should note that CBD communicates with THC through a variety of pathways.

The first way of communication is through a pharmacokinetic system in which one molecule influences the behavior of another. CBD achieves this effect by inhibiting the CYP2C9 enzyme, which increases THC levels in the blood.

This enzyme is responsible for metabolizing THC. It was also found that giving CBD to lab rats before THC resulted in higher levels of THC in the rodents’ blood and brain.

Direct pharmacodynamics, in which one molecule modulates the effects of another by binding to the same receptor, is the second mechanism. CBD achieves this by acting as a negative allosteric modulator, reducing CB1 receptor activation.

The third mechanism occurs when a molecule binds to a particular receptor and thereby modulates the influence of another molecule. The sedation caused by myrcene, a terpene contained in the cannabis plant, which acts on GABA-A receptors, is an example of this.

Another mechanism would be CBD ‘s ability to reduce anxiety by binding to the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. In 2016 research, eight different terpenes and three different cannabinoids were discovered to increase the potency of THC at the CB1 receptor.

cbd thc

Does CBD counteract the effects of THC or not?

So can CBD counteract the psychoactive effects of THC? The short answer is yes, but animal research has shown that the size of the CBD dose, the ratio of cannabinoids, as well as the length of time each was taken, play an important role in seeing the impact.

cbd thc benefits

THC and CBD: Benefits and Side Effects

Many of the medical benefits of CBD and THC are the same. They can provide relief for several of the same ailments. But it is already clear thatCBD does not have the same euphoric effects as THC. Due to the lack of this side effect, some people may choose to use CBD instead of THC.

CBD Benefits

  • May be used to treat seizures
  • It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • May treat psychosis or other mental disorders
  • It is also good for inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Relieves nausea
  • Fights migraine
  • Good for anxiety and depression

THC Benefits

  • It can be used to treat pain and muscle spasms.
  • It also offers benefits in the treatment of glaucoma.
  • Helps people suffering from insomnia
  • Reduces appetite and relieves nausea
  • It is also good for treating anxiety problems

Even in high doses, CBD is well tolerated. Any side effects related to CBD are often the result of interactions with the medications you are taking.

cbd thc side effects

CBD side effects

  • May cause diarrhea and dizziness
  • You may also experience fatigue and weight loss.
  • In addition, changes in appetite may occur.

THC side effects

  • Increased heart rate
  • Dry mouth
  • Coordination difficulties
  • Memory loss and anxiety
  • Red eyes
  • Slower response times

It should be noted that all these side effects are part of the psychoactive properties of THC. It is also important to be careful with high doses of THC, as it can generate counterproductive psychiatric effects in the long term.

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