CBD has shown to either reduce an uncontrollable high or boost it. This paradoxical effect of CBD is reported to be dependent upon dosage, according to a 2019 study, in the European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. Intoxicating effects of a THC (8mg) high were seen to be restrained by a high dose of CBD (400mg) according to scientists. However, participants had reported a stronger high after the combination with very low doses of CBD (4mg)
CBD dosage
The dosage of CBD is often not paid attention to because of its non-intoxicating effects. Neuroscientist Nick Jikomes explained in an interview that in order to understand the right dose of CBD for several medical conditions and symptoms, it is necessary to do further research. Furthermore, cannabis clinician Dr. Dustin Sulak explains that the ideal CBD dose may differ for every person. Sulak further added that starting with a low dose with a gradual increase over time like with any other medication is ideal. Benefits will be diminished (side effects or increased seizures) once the optimal dose is surpassed.
A 2019 study showed the comparison of CBD ‘s effect on a THC high after the administration of varying doses. Participants vaporized cannabis, with no knowledge regarding the dosage and the CBD: THC ratio. The highest was seen in patients who consumed THC and a low dosage of CBD, while those with a higher dose of CBD, had their euphoric effects diminish within an hour despite getting an initial high.
According to the study’s authors, the THC+CBD (low) dose was equivalent to the proportions that can be found in specific strains of the cannabis plant, while the high dose of CBD was approximately equivalent to therapeutic oral doses.
However, the question is whether the effects remain the same when the proportions are maintained but the dosage differs.
Increase your high
While the results can be attempted to replicate in a perfect 8mg THC to 4mg CBD, it can prove to be extremely difficult to get this precision.
However, here are some practical scenarios for experimentation –
- Experiment with different strains to optimize their harmony, by finding a high-THC strain with the addition of a little high-CBD flower.
- Boost your creativity by experimenting with different flavors and trying to mix 2-parts high-THC tincture with 1-part CBD tincture.
- Experiment with CBD oils. While you might face some difficulty in maintaining the precision of the dose or ratio, it might be rewarding to add CBD to your alchemy.
How to get a balanced high
Experimentation with higher doses of CBD is necessary to achieve CBD’s grounding effect. However, such high CBD doses can only be achieved through cannabis concentrates such as distillate and RSO.
Balanced THC/CBD products – edibles with 5mg THC and 5mg CBD ( or 10mg each, depending on the individual’s preference), can help you achieve controlled and steady effects.
However, it is important to remember that this study has focused on varying doses of CBD, with a constant dose of THC.
Intoxication
CBD, on its own, is a non-intoxicating compound. However the question is that why are the participants of the study, reporting feeling intoxicated in comparison to the placebo group.
According to the researchers, the vaporization of this compound was responsible for the rapid inducing of the dissociating effects, hence delivering CBD with increased bioavailability to the bloodstream and consequently the central nervous system. The researchers further added that significant coughing was induced by the high-dose CBD, and participants were aware of the administration of an active condition, unlike the ease of inhalation of ethanol-flavored air in the placebo group). However, the changes in intoxication may be concluded to be a placebo effect, according to researchers.