# Distinct Effects of 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol on Neural Activation During Emotional Processing > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/distinct-effects-tetrahydrocannabinol-cannabidiol-neural-activation/ > **Published:** 2022-08-02T19:37:52-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:16:30-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore the distinct effects tetrahydrocannabinol cannabidiol have on neural activation and anxiety during emotional processing in this detailed study. --- The plant Cannabis contains multiple compounds that likely possess distinct psychoactive properties. In fact, 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD, the two major constituents, were recently demonstrated to influence anxiety response – at neural, physical and behavioral levels – in contrasting ways. In this research study, scientists measured the regional brain activation using fMRI and electrodermal activity of participants who were viewing fearful faces that elicited various levels of anxiety. Prior to measurement, these participants were randomly assigned to ingest THC, CBD, or a placebo. Following the measurement, objective and subjective ratings of various symptoms were also completed. fMRI data indicated that CBD attenuated the activation of limbic and paralimbic regions of the brain, including the amygdala, the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex while participants observed anxiety-inducing faces. Meanwhile, THC mainly modulated the activation of frontal and parietal areas of the brain. Electrodermal activity data showed that fluctuations in autonomic arousal – a physical component of anxiety – decreased following administration of CBD while increased following administration of THC. Symptom ratings suggested that THC increased levels of anxiety, intoxication, and psychotic symptoms. CBD didn’t induce a significant effect compared to placebo, although there was a trend for anxiety reduction. In short, researchers concluded that the reduction of limbic and paralimbic brain activation by CBD contributes to its ability to soothe physical arousal and subjective symptoms of anxiety, whereas the anxiety-inducing effects of THC are related to its activation of other regions, likely the frontal and parietal areas. What have your experiences been with blending CBD and THC? Has it helped your anxiety or stress? We’d love to hear your experience! [More access here](https://cedclinic.com/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Why THC Feels More Predictable When Inhaled Than Eaten](https://cedclinic.com/inhaled-vs-oral-thc-effects-meta-analysis/) Understand how the method of THC consumption affects its predictability and psychoactive effects. [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/inhaled-vs-oral-thc-effects-meta-analysis/) [Cannabidiol CBD Effects Autism Anxiety Clinical Trial](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-oil-autism-anxiety-trial/) Explore [clinical trial results](https://cedclinic.com/cannabidiol-liver-enzyme-elevation-healthy-adults/) on cannabidiol's effects on anxiety in [autism spectrum disorder](https://cedclinic.com/pediatric-cannabis-use-autism-adhd-tourette-safety/). [Read Study](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-oil-autism-anxiety-trial/) [Biphasic Effect of Cannabis: 5 Ways Cannabis Affects Your Brain Differently](https://cedclinic.com/biphasic-effects-of-cannabis/) Learn about the biphasic effects of cannabis and how it influences brain function in multiple ways. [Discover More](https://cedclinic.com/biphasic-effects-of-cannabis/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Distinct%20Effects%20of%209-Tetrahydrocannabinol%20and%20Cannabidiol%20on%20Neural%20Activation%20During%20Emotional%20Processing&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdistinct-effects-tetrahydrocannabinol-neural-activation%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdistinct-effects-tetrahydrocannabinol-neural-activation%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Distinct%20Effects%20of%209-Tetrahydrocannabinol%20and%20Cannabidiol%20on%20Neural%20Activation%20During%20Emotional%20Processing%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fdistinct-effects-tetrahydrocannabinol-neural-activation%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).