Effects of cbd vs thc
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Effects of CBD vs THC: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction to CBD and THC
Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two primary compounds found in cannabis. While they share similar chemical structures, their effects on the human body and brain are markedly different. THC is known for its psychoactive properties, leading to the "high" associated with cannabis use, whereas CBD is non-intoxicating and is often touted for its potential therapeutic benefits.
Cognitive and Driving Impairment
THC-Induced Impairment
THC has been shown to impair cognitive functions and driving performance. Studies indicate that THC-dominant cannabis increases lane weaving and impairs performance on cognitive tasks such as the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST) and the Divided Attention Task (DAT). Additionally, THC administration is associated with anxiety, dysphoria, and positive psychotic symptoms, along with increased heart rate and subjective intoxication.
CBD's Role in Mitigating THC Effects
Contrary to some beliefs, CBD does not consistently mitigate the impairing effects of THC. In fact, cannabis containing equivalent concentrations of CBD and THC can be just as impairing as THC-dominant cannabis, and in some cases, CBD may even exacerbate THC-induced impairment. However, some studies suggest that high doses of CBD can reduce the intoxicating effects of THC, while low doses may enhance them, particularly in infrequent cannabis users.
Behavioral and Psychological Effects
Divergent Effects on Anxiety and Psychosis
THC and CBD have opposing effects on anxiety and psychosis. THC can induce perceptual distortions and anxiogenic effects, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. This divergence is evident in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), where THC promotes panic-like behavior and CBD counteracts these effects through different molecular pathways.
Long-Term Effects and Tolerance
Long-term use of THC, especially in high doses, can impair cognitive performance and reduce motor activity, with tolerance developing over time. In contrast, CBD does not appear to have significant long-term adverse effects on cognition or activity levels.
Functional Connectivity in the Brain
Disruption by THC
THC strongly disrupts striato-cortical connectivity, particularly in the associative and sensorimotor networks. This disruption is less pronounced when THC is combined with CBD, suggesting that CBD can mitigate some of THC's adverse effects on brain connectivity.
CBD's Complex Effects
CBD alone has a more complex effect profile, with relative increases and decreases in connectivity across different brain networks. It increases connectivity in the associative network but has minor disruptive effects on the limbic and sensorimotor networks.
Subjective and Physiological Effects
Intoxication and Subjective Experience
Vaporized CBD and CBD-dominant cannabis produce noticeable subjective effects, such as increased ratings of "Like Drug Effect," but do not lead to cognitive or psychomotor impairment. These effects are generally stronger in women compared to men. Oral CBD, however, does not produce significant subjective effects compared to placebo.
Safety and Tolerability
CBD is generally well-tolerated and does not produce the same acute behavioral and physiological effects as THC. It is considered safe for use, with no significant differences from placebo in terms of symptomatic and physiological variables.
Conclusion
In summary, THC and CBD have distinct and sometimes opposing effects on the human body and brain. THC is associated with cognitive impairment, anxiety, and psychosis, while CBD has potential therapeutic benefits, including anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. However, the interaction between these two compounds is complex, and CBD does not consistently mitigate the adverse effects of THC. Understanding these differences is crucial for both recreational and medicinal cannabis use, particularly in terms of dosage and the ratio of THC to CBD.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic