Study Highlights
The researchers used data from another study that examined the brain activity of 17 healthy participants taking various marijuana strains (some high in both THC and CBD, others high in THC but without CBD, and placebo), using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
In this new research, Wall and his colleagues measured brain activity in 23 healthy participants after they consumed oral CBD and a placebo. They also used fMRI to examine brain activity.
Results
The researchers revealed that THC and CBD have opposing effects. The first study confirmed the significant disruptive effect of both THC and THC + CBD on connectivity in the associative and sensorimotor networks, and also a certain effect of THC in the limbic striatum network that was not noticed with the combination of THC and CBD.
The second study showed CBD boosts connectivity in the associative network while causing relatively minimal disruptions in the limbic and sensorimotor networks.
In short, consuming marijuana strains with both THC and CBD should decrease striatum connectivity, but to a lesser extent than THC-only marijuana strain.
The findings suggest that “different types of cannabis have different effects on the brain,” Wall told the outlet. “High-strength, relatively pure-THC cannabis can severely affect some brain networks, but when THC is combined with cannabidiol (CBD) in a more ‘balanced’ way, these effects may be reduced somewhat, making a balanced strain of cannabis potentially safer to use. CBD by itself seems to have quite minimal effects on the brain networks we looked at, which means it’s probably safe for use as a potential therapy.”
You can view the whole article at this link High-Strength THC Balanced With CBD Is Better For Your Brain, Study Shows By Benzinga Staff on www.thefrenchtoast.com
