D-Limonene bound to reduce anxiety caused by increasing THC-levels

Led by Tory Spindle, an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with a PhD in Experimental Health Psychology, the study aimed to investigate the anxiety-reducing effects of d-limonene in humans. Conducted in collaboration with Ryan Vandrey, another pivotal figure in the realm of cannabis research, the study underscores the growing interest in exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis compounds.

"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. Our study demonstrates that d-limonene can modulate the effects of THC in a meaningful way and make THC more tolerable to people using it for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes."

 In an effort to fully understand and counter the challenges posed by the rising THC levels in cannabis strains, which can lead to unpredictable effects and exacerbate anxiety in users, the study aimed to examine the interaction between d-limonene and THC and offer insights into making cannabis use safer and more tolerable for both therapeutic and recreational consumers.

The surge in THC levels in cannabis has been a notable trend in recent years, as breeders have succeeded in developing strains with substantially higher THC concentrations than those found in previous generations of cannabis plants through meticulous cultivation techniques and genetic manipulation. This is a trend that has been fueled by the modern-day consumer demand for more potent products, leading growers to prioritize THC potency as a key selling point in a competitive market. From an average of 12% a decade ago, medical cannabis products available on the market nowadays generally contain THC levels upwards of 20% to 30%, a dramatic increase caused by selective breeding.

D-limonene may be the key in handling the new potency of THC products. A prevalent terpene in the cannabis plant, D-limonene has previously shown promise in reducing anxiety behaviors in rodent studies. In this investigation, 20 healthy adults participated in sessions where they inhaled vaporized d-limonene alone, THC alone, a combination of THC and d-limonene, or a placebo. The study, conducted under double-blind conditions to ensure objectivity, revealed significant reductions in subjective indicators of THC-induced anxiety when d-limonene was combined with THC, particularly at higher doses. It remains to be seen if the same can be said for human subjects.

Dr. Spindle, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings in mitigating the risks associated with THC use and making cannabis safer for a broader range of users. Further areas of exploration for the John Hopkins cannabis research team are the potential of other terpenes in combination with THC and the replication of the d-limonene study in larger and more diverse clinical populations along with investigating alternative methods of cannabis administration like oral ingestion to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Beyond vanquishing anxiety, cannabis is gaining recognition for its potential in managing various medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, cancer treatment side effects, depression, and sleep disorders. By delving into the intricate chemistry of cannabis compounds, there is much promise in unlocking new avenues for personalized and effective treatments, ultimately improving the well-being of patients worldwide.

Written by DANIEL CIUREA

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