A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that cannabidiol (CBD) can lessen the psychoactive effects of d9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when taken together.
The goal of the study — by researchers Jose’ Bouso, PhD from the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service, and Alberto Sainz-Cort, MSc from Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and GH Medical, alongside several other authors — was to determine whether CBD had “anti-intoxicating” effects.
In order to participate, all subjects had to be over the age of 21 and be experienced cannabis users, consuming at least three times per week. Participants also had to be free of psychiatric or chronic disease, understand the study protocol and agree to abstain from cannabis, alcohol and other drugs for at least 12 hours prior to the study.
Each subject participated in a total of four individual sessions in which they were given a dose of either CBD, THC, THC and CBD or a placebo. Neither the researchers nor the subjects knew which substance was being self-administered.
Researchers then analyzed the data self-reported by the participants. Ultimately, the study, coupled with prior research, suggests that consuming CBD alongside THC mediates the effects of cannabis and may also influence other aspects of a THC high.