Does CBD Counteract the Effects of THC?

Wondering whether CBD's supposed THC-busting effects are true or just another marijuana myth? Read on for what the science says.

Key Takeaways

• Some studies found that CBD moderates some of THC's effects, reducing the intensity of certain side effects like anxiety.
• However, other studies found CBD had no impact on the effect of THC in participants.
• Other studies found CBD actually increased the intensity and duration of THC's effects.
• We offer products with different ratios of THC and CBD, including some with no THC at all, so you can choose what's best for you.

See Related: The Complete Guide to Taking CBD for Sleep

THC vs CBD: What You Need to Know

Hemp and cannabis plants contain hundreds of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound responsible for marijuana's classic "high". CBD, or cannabidiol, is not psychoactive, but still has various effects.

Both cannabinoids also have various potential health benefits. They are widely used to ease pain, reduce stress, and improve sleep.

THC Ratios

You may have noticed that different products contain different THC ratios. This ratio is often between THC and CBD, and denotes the amount of each compound relative to the other.

For example, our Delta-9 THC Gummies contain a 5:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Each gummy has 5mg of THC and 25mg of CBD.

THC in CBD Products

You've likely noticed that some CBD products actually contain trace amounts of THC. These products are referred to as "full spectrum" because they contain all of the compounds that occur naturally in the hemp plant, including THC.

Our Full Spectrum CBD Tincture, for example, contains all kinds of cannabinoids and terpenes, extracted from organic, US-grown hemp.

Meanwhile, our Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture contains all those naturally occurring, beneficial compounds — except for THC. The THC is specifically removed, which is helpful for people who want to avoid taking even trace amounts of this specific cannabinoid.

But why include THC at all? Why not remove it from all hemp-derived products?

How THC and CBD Interact

The answer lies in something called the "entourage effect." Research suggests that CBD's effectiveness can be increased by taking it with other cannabinoids and terpenes.

In other words, the presence of THC in full-spectrum products might actually make the CBD more effective.

Some of you might be wondering whether the same is true in reverse. That is, does CBD increase the effectiveness of THC?

Or does CBD cancel the effects of THC, as some people claim?

Does CBD Cancel THC?

The answer to this question depends partially on what we consider to be THC's effects. As we discussed, THC can cause all kinds of different effects.

When people refer to CBD counteracting the effects of THC, they're generally claiming CBD can specifically cancel out THC's psychoactive effects. In particular, people claim CBD can cancel out unwanted psychological effects, like anxiety and paranoia.

Is this true?

Evidence In Favor of CBD Cancelling THC

Well, there's some evidence backing it.

For example, one study with rats located a specific part of the brain that can be overstimulated by THC. This can cause anxiety, memory loss, and other unpleasant effects. But the study found that rats given CBD as well did not suffer from this overstimulation.

Additionally, a systematic review of 16 studies found that CBD sometimes reduced "the acute effects of THC." Some of the studies included in the review found that CBD helped reduce intense feelings of anxiety.

Bonus: Does THC Percentage Really Matter?

CBD Doesn’t Always Counter THC's Acute Effects

However, CBD didn't have this effect in all of the studies in that systematic review. In some studies, CBD didn't influence the adverse effects of THC at all.

And the review concluded that CBD does not affect how intoxicated subjects feel. In other words, there isn't much evidence that CBD can weaken the drug's effect, at least in terms of helping you "sober up."

CBD Might Strengthen THC's Psychological Effects

In fact, CBD might have the exact opposite effect. That is, it could make THC stronger.

One study from 2023 found that CBD interferes with how the body breaks down THC. By doing so, CBD appears to make THC stronger and longer-lasting.

Participants ate a brownie with THC, one with THC and CBD, and a placebo. When they ate the brownie with CBD included, they reported feeling more intoxicated and had blood THC concentrations almost double as high as when they ate the brownie with only THC.

Choosing the Right Combination of Cannabinoids For You

Ultimately, more research needs to be done into how CBD and THC interact. However, studies seem to show that CBD won't fully counteract THC. At most, CBD might dampen THC's effects.

The effects of THC and CBD can vary from individual to individual. Various factors might impact how THC and CBD affect you, including your body and experience with these compounds. That said, the entourage effect means taking CBD and THC together can result in a more fulfilling experience. 

That's why we offer a range of THC/CBD ratios. If you want no THC at all, grab our Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture or Relax & Calm CBD Gummies. To take advantage of the entourage effect, try our Full Spectrum CBD Tincture or Sleep & Soothe CBD Gummies.

Conclusion

While some people might find that CBD helps moderate some of THC's effects, others could find that CBD makes THC even stronger and longer-lasting. Of course, that could also be a benefit for people looking to maximize the efficacy of their THC.

In any case, always remember to practice responsible consumption. Stick to high-quality products, don't exceed the recommended dose, and stay in tune with your body.

Keep Reading: How to Use CBD Tinctures

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