# Cannabidiol Increases Psychotropic Effects and Plasma Concentrations of Δ 9 ‐Tetrahydrocannabinol Without Improving Its Analgesic Properties

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/research/cbd-for-chronic-pain-randomized-controlled-trial/
> **Published:** 2026-10-07T12:59:19-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-10-07T12:59:19-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Clinicians should be aware that while CBD may increase the psychoactive effects of THC, it does not enhance its analgesic properties.

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Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, has been hypothesized to reduce the adverse effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive and analgesic component of cannabis. This clinical trial investigated the hypothesis that CBD counteracts the adverse effects of THC and thereby potentially improves the tolerability of cannabis as an analgesic. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, five-way cross-over trial was performed in 37 healthy volunteers. On each visit, a double-placebo, THC 9mg with placebo CBD, or THC 9mg with 10, 30, or 450mg CBD was administered orally. Psychoactive and analgesic effects were quantified using standardized test batteries. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects model. Co-administration of 450mg CBD did not reduce, but instead significantly increased subjective, psychomotor, cognitive, and autonomous effects of THC (e.g., VAS “Feeling High” by 60.5% (95% CI: 12.7%, 128.5%, P<0.01)), whereas THC effects with 10 and 30mg CBD were not significantly different from THC alone. CBD did not significantly enhance THC analgesia at any dose level. Administration of 450mg CBD significantly increased AUClast of THC (AUClast ratio: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.08, P<0.0001) and 11-OH-THC (AUClast ratio: 6.24, 95% CI: 4.27, 9.12, P<0.0001) compared with THC alone, and 30mg CBD significantly increased AUClast of 11-OH-THC (AUClast ratio: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.30, 2.77, P=0.0013), and of THC (AUClast ratio: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.04, P=0.0446). Present findings do not support the use of CBD to reduce adverse effects of oral THC or enhance THC analgesia.

 

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### 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).