How Tea Can Protect Against the Side Effects of THC

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that L-theanine, an amino acid found in green and black tea (Camellia sinensis), can protect against the long-term side effects of THC. As mentioned in our previous blog post on “Talking to your kids about weed”, the brain undergoes significant development until the age of 25, and is particularly vulnerable to the effects of cannabis during this time. 

How does THC affect the developing brain?

Throughout adolescence, the brain is still actively developing, and exposure to substances like THC can have lasting effects on its structure and function. The mesocorticolimbic circuitry, which includes the prefrontal cortex and the mesolimbic dopamine pathway, is particularly sensitive to these THC-induced changes. Adolescent THC exposure can lead to dysregulation of dopamine and GABA levels in the brain (hormones involved in pleasure, reward, motivation and calmness) as well as emotional and cognitive abnormalities (problems with memory, attention, motivation, emotional regulation, problem-solving, decision-making, reward processing and addiction). Regular THC exposure during adolescence can also increase the risk for developing mood disorders and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. 

What is L-theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black tea (Camellia sinensis) with remarkable benefits for cognition and mood. One of the most well-known advantages of L-theanine is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation without causing drowsiness (a side-effect of most anti-anxiety medications). L-theanine achieves this relaxing effect by stimulating the production of calming neurotransmitters like GABA, and increasing the brain’s alpha wave activity, which is associated with a relaxed, but alert mental state (Nobre 2008). The combination of L-theanine and caffeine has been linked to improved cognitive function by enhancing focus, memory and attention (Dietz 2017). If drinking tea is already part of your family’s routine, that’s great, since Camellia sinensis contains both L-theanine and caffeine. If you are like me and prefer coffee over tea, consider adding an L-theanine supplement to your morning routine. 

How does L-theanine protect against the side-effects of THC? 

Results published in the Journal of Neuroscience showed that rats receiving L-theanine 10 min prior to THC, were protected from the side effects of THC. L-theanine prevented the dysregulation of dopamine levels in the brain, and blocked the downregulation of critical signaling pathways associated with increased neuropsychiatric risk. L-theanine also prevented the development of affective and cognitive abnormalities associated with adolescent THC exposure, such as increased anxiety and anhedonia (lack of interest / pleasure), and impaired memory and attention.

How much L-theanine is required to achieve these effects?

If we translate the dose used in this study (10 mg L-theanine / kg rat, twice a day) to a human equivalent dose, it would be ± 100 mg L-theanine, twice a day, for an individual weighing 60 kg. Research suggests that 200 – 400 mg L-theanine per day for up to 8 weeks are effective and safe for relieving anxiety and stress and enhancing cognitive function (Sakamoto 2019). The minimum effective dose for stimulating alpha wave activity in the brain is 50 mg L-theanine (Nobre 2008), which is the equivalent of about 2 – 3 cups of green tea, depending on the plant material and brewing method. Since L-theanine easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, its effects can be felt within 30 minutes, and can last up to 10 h.

Summary

As parents, our primary concern is the well-being and happiness of our children. While not everyone wants to believe that their teen is experimenting with weed, it pays to be prepared. If you suspect that one of your kids may be using cannabis, including L-theanine into their daily routine can serve as a natural and proactive approach to protect them against the side effects of THC.