Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.
Douglas L Boggs, Jacques D. Nguyen, Daralyn Morgenson, Michael A. Taffe, Mohini Ranganathan
Neuropsychopharmacology January 2018 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.209 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Cannabis CBD |
| Key findings | The authors report that evidence from preclinical and human studies conflicts on whether CBD attenuates or exacerbates THC-induced anxiety, psychosis-like symptoms, and cognitive deficits. They argue that future cannabis-related policy decisions should incorporate scientific findings on the individual and interactive effects of CBD and THC. |
Abstract
The plant Cannabis sativa, commonly called cannabis or marijuana, has been used for its psychotropic and mind-altering side effects for millennia. There has been growing attention in recent years on its potential therapeutic efficacy as municipalities and legislative bodies in the United States, Canada, and other countries grapple with enacting policy to facilitate the use of cannabis or its constituents for medical purposes. There are >550 chemical compounds and >100 phytocannabinoids isolated from cannabis, including Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is thought to produce the main psychoactive effects of cannabis, while CBD does not appear to have similar effects. Studies conflict as to whether CBD attenuates or exacerbates the behavioral and cognitive effects of THC. This includes effects of CBD on THC-induced anxiety, psychosis, and cognitive deficits. In this article, we review the available evidence on the pharmacology and behavioral interactions of THC and CBD from preclinical and human studies, particularly with reference to anxiety and psychosis-like symptoms. Both THC and CBD, as well as other cannabinoid molecules, are currently being evaluated for medicinal purposes, separately and in combination. Future cannabis-related policy decisions should include consideration of scientific findings, including the individual and interactive effects of CBD and THC.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on CBD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 20
- Cannabidiol (CBD) content in vaporized cannabis does not prevent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-induced impairment of driving and cognition Psychopharmacology May 1, 2019
- Cannabis and Psychosis Through the Lens of DSM-5 International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health October 28, 2019
- Acute cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their mixture (THC:CBD) exert differential effects on brain activity and blood flow in rats: A translational neuroimaging study. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2026
- Back to our roots: Integrating wholistic research approaches in the study of medicinal plants and mushrooms Psychopharmacology April 24, 2026
- Prior cannabis vapor exposure impairs pattern separation in rodents of multiple ages but is rescued by citicoline administration. Neuroscience May 25, 2026
and 15 more in the library
Cites 43
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- Enhanced discriminative stimulus effects of Δ(9)-THC in the presence of cannabidiol and 8-OH-DPAT in rhesus monkeys. Drug and Alcohol Dependence August 1, 2016
- Oral Cannabidiol does not Alter the Subjective, Reinforcing or Cardiovascular Effects of Smoked Cannabis. Neuropsychopharmacology July 2016
and 38 more in the library