John Hopkins Study shows D-Limonene Decreases Anxiety in THC Users
The TDR Three Key Takeaways from John Hopkins THC Study:
- D-limonene in cannabis significantly cuts anxiety from THC, suggesting safer use for both medical and leisure purposes.
- High doses of d-limonene show promise in reducing THC-induced anxiety without impacting its beneficial effects.
- This study on d-limonene and THC opens new pathways for research, aiming at safer cannabis-based treatments.
A study by Johns Hopkins has uncovered that d-limonene, a common terpene in cannabis, significantly reduces the anxiety and paranoia often caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) when vaporized. This finding suggests a safer approach for both medical and recreational cannabis use. In a controlled experiment with 20 adults, it was shown that increased doses of d-limonene decrease anxiety levels without affecting cannabis cognitive or euphoric effects. This advancement deepens our understanding of cannabis’s pharmacology and offers new directions for enhancing the safety of cannabis-based treatments.
The research demonstrates that d-limonene effectively lessens anxiety, with tests on various THC and d-limonene mixtures showing that higher d-limonene doses yield greater anxiety reduction. This could lead to THC products with d-limonene, aimed at reducing anxiety side effects, with a patent application underway based on these findings.
Given the rise in cannabis legalization and use for both health and leisure, and with current strains having higher THC levels, the risk of anxiety, fear, and panic from overconsumption is increased. This study highlights the significance of compounds like d-limonene in moderating the cannabis effects, aiming for a safer and more pleasant cannabis experience.
The experiment involved up to 10 sessions where participants inhaled vaporized d-limonene, THC, a mix of both, or a placebo, assessing drug effects, mood, vital signs, and cognitive function. Blood and urine were also tested for THC and d-limonene levels. Results confirmed that d-limonene with THC substantially reduces anxiety reported from cannabis alone, more so with higher d-limonene doses, without hindering THC’s other effects or showing any impact from d-limonene alone versus placebo.
This research proposes methods to mitigate THC-related risks in medicinal use and to make cannabis safer for wider use. The researchers aim to further explore terpenes’ interactions with cannabis and to replicate the study with a larger, more diverse group, including different administration methods like oral intake. This study not only broadens our understanding of cannabis pharmacology but also highlights d-limonene’s potential in improving THC’s therapeutic use, opening new research and development avenues in cannabis therapy. Want to keep up to date with all of TDR’s research and news, subscribe to our daily Baked In newsletter.
Discover how d-limonene reduces cannabis induced anxiety, promising safer medical and recreational cannabis experiences.
