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A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that a compound naturally found in cannabis, known as d-limonene, could potentially counteract the anxiety-inducing effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. The discovery holds promise for advancing the medicinal use of THC while mitigating the risks associated with its recreational consumption.
Published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the study investigated the effects of vaporized d-limonene alone and in combination with THC on anxiety levels in humans. Terpenes, such as d-limonene, are essential oils abundant in cannabis plants, responsible for their distinct taste, aroma, and color.
Dr. Ryan Vandrey, senior author of the study and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of the research in addressing the variability in THC potency and its potential to induce anxiety. “People use cannabis to help reduce anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, but since THC levels vary widely, if a person overshoots their tolerance of THC, cannabis can induce anxiety rather than relieve it,” stated Vandrey.
The study involved 20 healthy adults who participated in outpatient sessions where they inhaled vaporized d-limonene alone, THC alone, a combination of THC and d-limonene, or vaporized distilled water as a placebo. The sessions were double-blinded, ensuring neither the researchers nor the participants knew the mixture being administered. Subjective drug effects, mood ratings, vital signs, and cognitive performance were assessed at baseline and throughout each session.
The results revealed that combining d-limonene with THC significantly reduced subjective feelings of anxiety induced by THC, with greater reductions observed as the dose of d-limonene increased. Importantly, there was no interference with THC’s effects or adverse effects from d-limonene alone.
Dr. Tory Spindle, lead author of the study and associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, highlighted the potential of the findings in making cannabis safer for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic consumers.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore other terpenes in isolation and in combination with THC, replicate the study in larger and more diverse populations, and investigate alternative methods of administration.
The study marks a significant step in understanding how compounds in cannabis interact and opens doors for developing safer and more effective cannabis-based therapies.
For more information on the study, refer to the publication in Drug and Alcohol Dependence (2024).
