The Dance of CBD with THC – A Little More, A Little Less in Each Step is a Balancing Act of Tempo and Intensity

Valley Wellness Insights (Sept 2024)

The Dance of CBD with THC – A Little More, A Little Less in Each Step is a Balancing Act of Tempo and Intensity

“Good timing is invisible. Bad timing sticks out a mile.“ — Tony Corinda

How do you consume your cannabis or hemp products? Do you take a combination of cannabinoids in the form of an edible – and wait to feel something? Or do you dose various amounts of purified compounds or products throughout the day? If you’re someone who times the use of CBD versus THC—say, taking CBD in the morning and THC later in the afternoon—research shows that delayed consumption patterns can significantly alter the experience.

Most clinical studies in modern science, including the majority of clinical trials, have dosed participants with both THC and CBD simultaneously. For example, in studies using a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD, participants often take both compounds together, such as sublingual dosing (under the tongue). However, a study by Gorbenko and colleagues is getting attention because it took a different approach than most studies.

The team designed an experiment where CBD was administered 30 minutes before THC. The researchers referenced the idea, popular in certain literature, that CBD can block or reduce some of THC’s effects – but their study was specifically designed to explore how CBD might enhance certain effects (increase adverse effects) of THC, when CBD is orally consumed beforehand. This setup is quite different from how most people consume cannabis products, where cannabinoids are usually taken together, such as in an edible that contains both THC and CBD. Or for that matter, products are often inhaled.

Why does this study matter?

Timing can greatly influence the outcome of edible products. For instance, if you take a high dose of CBD and wait 30 minutes before consuming THC (such as in an edible), you might experience a much more intense effect than expected. This is particularly relevant in situations like driving—spacing out cannabinoid doses (CBD and then THC), hypothetically could lead to a stronger impact on cognition and motor skills than consuming them simultaneously. I look forward to seeing a driving simulator study conducted in this area.

For the average consumer eating an edible with both low and equal amounts of THC and CBD, this study may not apply directly, as the authors found the enhancing effect with 450mg of CBD with 9mg of THC. Keep in mind the researchers did not explore what happens when both compounds are consumed together at the same time, which could be more representative of real-world use. The research team did not look at what happens if you consume THC first and then CBD. Nor did the team look at other delivery methods such as vaping or smoking. Instead, the study focused on a more contrived scenario to highlight the potential risks or interactions of timed cannabinoid dosing using pure compounds that are akin to pharmaceutical drugs.

However, the authors are not alone in their contrivances to master the juggling of cannabinoid dosing – An earlier study by Lo and colleagues (2024) showed that while acute CBD consumption was associated with a small increase in subjective feelings of sedation, it had no significant impact on objective cognitive or psychomotor performance. Here are few quotes from other studies to ponder:

• “These findings show that the acute intake of CBD itself has no effect per se in healthy volunteers and that a single dose of CBD prior to THC administration was insufficient to mitigate the detrimental impact of THC in the given setting.”

• “A recent study supports the concept that CBD, when present in significant proportion to THC, is capable of eliminating induced cognitive and memory deficits in normal subjects smoking cannabis.”

• “These findings suggest that the ability of CBD to influence the effects of THC may differ according to variation in endocannabinoid system genetics.”

So, how does this translate to your dispensary experience?

Choosing the right cannabis product can seem like selecting a specific song for a particular mood. Whether your intention is recreational or medical, understanding the interplay between CBD and THC is crucial. In general, if you’re seeking a more subdued experience, a balanced, low dose of THC:CBD ratio might be suitable for inhaled or sublingual products. However, if you’re looking for a more pronounced effect, an oral or edible product with higher THC and lower CBD might be preferable. It’s essential to remember that individual responses to cannabis can vary greatly. Factors like tolerance, metabolism, and timing can influence the overall experience. And most importantly, few researchers have conducted real-world studies using different administration forms, say, to look at the effects of taking a CBD edible on the effects of inhaled THC products.

Key takeaways for dispensary customers:

• Not all administration forms are equal: There are real differences between consuming edibles and inhaling products, including how the compounds interact. While most research on effects focuses on oral and vaporized administration, the route of administration can impact the onset, duration, and intensity of effects. Smoking, for example, leads to faster absorption of THC compared to oral ingestion.
• Don’t assume CBD will always lessen THC’s effects. Their interaction is complex and depends on various factors, including dosage and if you consume a large amount of CBD prior to THC edibles. Some studies indicate that CBD might slightly slow down the onset of THC’s effects or even intensify them.
• Be mindful of THC:CBD ratios. A balanced ratio with low amounts of THC & CBD might be more suitable for a milder experience.
• Start low and go slow. This age-old advice is especially relevant when experimenting with different cannabinoid profiles.
• Talk to trained professionals. They can help you navigate the world of cannabinoids.
• A few hours, preferably longer: CBD can remain active in the body for hours. Similar to swimming after eating, wait to take any THC products after consuming CBD.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations.