CBD Can Increase Cannabis’ Psychoactive Effects

If you’ve ever had too much THC and turned to CBD to help calm things down, a new study suggests that CBD can actually increase cannabis’ psychoactive effects of THC in high doses. For years, cannabis users and experts alike believed that CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid, could “mellow out” THC’s effects. But recent research published in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics turns that assumption on its head.

So, what does this mean for your cannabis routine? Here’s a breakdown of the study and what it could mean for your next high.

CBD can Increase Cannabis’ Psychoactive? New Findings Say Not So Fast

The belief that CBD can counteract THC’s intensity goes back to a 2006 study by cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo, which supported the “entourage effect.” According to Russo’s theory, combining cannabinoids like CBD with THC could create a balanced, calming effect, potentially reducing some of THC’s more intense effects like paranoia or anxiety. However, recent research is challenging this idea by showing that high doses of CBD may actually increase the psychoactive effects of THC.

The Study: How CBD and THC Work Together in New Ways

The latest research was a carefully controlled clinical trial involving 37 healthy adults, all of whom were occasional cannabis users. Researchers wanted to see if adding CBD to THC would actually make the high more manageable, particularly for people using cannabis as a pain reliever who might want THC’s benefits without feeling overly high.

Each participant received oral THC tablets along with either a placebo or varying doses of CBD, ranging from a modest 10 mg to a whopping 450 mg. After each dose, the participants went through standardized tests to gauge their levels of alertness, mood, paranoia, and even motor skills like balance and coordination.

What the researchers found was surprising: rather than reducing the psychoactive effects of THC, the highest doses of CBD seemed to intensify them. Participants with 450 mg of CBD reported feeling significantly higher than those who had THC alone, and their blood samples confirmed higher levels of THC metabolites.

What This Means for Pain Relief and Psychoactivity

The researchers initially hoped CBD might increase THC’s pain-relieving effects without amplifying the high. Unfortunately, while CBD did seem to enhance the psychoactive experience, it didn’t appear to boost THC’s pain relief properties in this particular study. However, it’s worth noting that these participants were healthy volunteers, not chronic pain patients, so further studies are needed to understand how CBD and THC work together for pain management.

High Doses vs. Low Doses of CBD: Why It Matters

One key takeaway from this study is that dose matters. Lower doses of CBD (like 10 mg or 30 mg) didn’t appear to change the THC high much at all. It was only with very high doses, like 450 mg, that CBD seemed to amplify THC’s psychoactive effects. This is way beyond what most casual users would consume in a single dose, suggesting that typical, low-to-moderate doses of CBD might not have the same effect.

So, Should You Add CBD to Your THC Routine?

The study gives us some food for thought, but it’s worth noting a few limitations. First, the sample size was relatively small, so while the findings are fascinating, they aren’t definitive. Additionally, because CBD has biphasic effects—meaning it can produce different effects at different doses—it’s possible that everyone’s experience will vary.

If you’re experimenting with CBD and THC together, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start small with CBD if you’re adding it to THC for the first time.
• Keep in mind that high doses of CBD might amplify your high, not dampen it.
• If you’re a medical cannabis user, consult with a healthcare professional, as the interaction between these cannabinoids could impact your experience, especially if you’re seeking pain relief.

The Bottom Line on CBD and THC: More Complex Than We Thought

This new study reveals that the relationship between CBD and THC is far more complex than once believed. CBD might not be the instant “reset button” for THC’s effects that some have claimed. Instead, CBD can increase cannabis’ psychoactive effects.

As always, at Buy Low Green, we’re here to keep you informed on the latest cannabis research so you can make educated choices about your cannabis experience. So the next time you’re browsing our site, keep in mind that CBD and THC work together in surprising ways— and maybe start with a low dose if you’re mixing them!