All posts tagged: THC

Stress does not appear to release stored THC into the bloodstream

Stress does not appear to release stored THC into the bloodstream

Published by José Betancourt

A new study published in Psychopharmacology investigates the biological phenomenon known as reintoxication in cannabis users. The findings indicate that acute physical stress caused by cold water immersion does not release stored THC back into the bloodstream. This research suggests that moderate physical stressors encountered in daily life are unlikely to cause a person to test positive for cannabis or experience impairment long after their last use. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. This chemical is highly lipophilic, meaning it dissolves readily in fats rather than water. When a person consumes cannabis, the body metabolizes much of the THC, but a significant portion is absorbed and stored in fat tissue throughout the body. These fat deposits can act as a long-term storage depot for the drug. Traces of THC have been detected in human fat biopsies weeks after consumption has stopped. This biological storage mechanism has led scientists to propose the reintoxication hypothesis. The body naturally breaks down fat deposits for energy when it faces a deficit, such as …

The unexpected interaction between CBD and THC in caffeinated beverages

The unexpected interaction between CBD and THC in caffeinated beverages

Published by José Betancourt

A new study suggests that adding cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, to products containing caffeine and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can intensify the drug’s psychoactive effects and increase impairment. The research indicates that while caffeine alone does not substantially alter the body’s processing of THC, the addition of CBD changes how the body metabolizes the intoxicating compound. These findings were published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology. The legal landscape for cannabis is shifting rapidly across the United States. State-level legalization and federal provisions such as the 2018 Farm Bill have led to a proliferation of cannabis-derived products. One emerging trend in the commercial marketplace is the sale of beverages that mix cannabinoids with caffeine. These products are often marketed as energy boosters or alternatives to alcoholic drinks. Despite the growing availability of these mixtures, very little scientific data exists regarding how these chemical constituents interact within the human body. Public health officials and regulators lack precise information on whether combining stimulants like caffeine with depressants or psychoactive compounds like THC creates unique safety risks. Most existing knowledge comes …