CBD counteracts the effects of THC on the brain

According to a recent study, CBD counterbalances the effects of THC on the human brain.

While the effects of the two cannabinoids on the brain are well understood in isolation, how CBD and THC interact with each other is not as well known. To better understand this interaction, researchers at the’University College London (UCL) carried out brain MRI scans on 17 people, after consuming two varieties of cannabis. Both varieties contained almost the same level of THC, but one with much more CBD than the other.

After consuming cannabis with low CBD content, After taking cannabis with a high CBD content, participants showed signs of altered functional connectivity in the brain (basically, the brain functions less well). But after consuming cannabis with high CBD content, participants experienced relatively minimal disruption.

Functional disturbances in the brain can be linked to the development of addictions and psychoses, with frequent consumption of cannabis with high THC content likely to be partly responsible for these conditions. However, the UCL study suggests that CBD counteracts some of these effects.

«Over the past two decades, rates of cannabis addiction and psychosis have increased, while stronger cannabis varieties with more THC and less CBD have become increasingly common,» said Dr. Matt Wall, lead author of the study.

«We have now found that CBD seems to protect the consumer against some of the THC's adverse effects on the brain. »

The THC being responsible for the psychotropic effects of cannabis, people who consume CBD-rich cannabis are likely to feel less stoned, regardless of the amount of THC they've consumed.

The researchers also note that CBD's effects show its potential as a treatment for psychosis and addiction.