Understanding the Effects of CBD to Our Brain

By: Shannon U.

As the CBD market continues to grow, scientists are continuing to discover potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD.)

So many people are trying different type of CBD products that even the New York Times called it a “magical elixir, a cure-all now available in bath bombs, dog treats, and even pharmaceuticals.”

While many people seem to already be enjoying the potential benefits of CBD, others are still skeptical and want to learn more.

Numerous endocannabinoids form our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and these neurotransmitters bind to receptors throughout the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system.

A variety of cognitive and physiological processes in the body such as memory, pain, stress response and appetite are regulated by our ECS.

What is Cannabidiol or CBD?

CBD is a chemical compound from the cannabis sativa plant or what is popularly known as marijuana and hemp.

It is a natural substance that is used for a variety of products like oils, edibles and creams to help ease the symptoms of different types of disorders.

Unlike its famous sibling, the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC which usually delivers a “high” feeling, CBD is not psychoactive.

According to a number of studies, CBD can help maintain our bodies’ homeostasis, a state of balance and internal stability against unknown factors outside that would disrupt how our body usually performs.

The body’s absorption of CBD into the bloodstream is known as “bioavailability” and maximizing it means allowing our body to reserve more CBD to be readily available when needed.

CBD and Mood

One of the main potential effects of CBD to our brain is that it may enhance a person’s mood according to some people. 

This is one of the reasons why some people use CBD products, like hemp cigarettes when they are feeling stressed or weighed down emotionally.

CBD can possibly help relieve stress by tapping the serotonin receptors in the brain to produce more cortisol, a specific hormone that is responsible for our emotions.

Studies found that CBD might be an option for helping to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and more.

CBD and Brain Cells

Memory and learning difficulties are experienced by many people, regardless of their age.

With that in mind, keeping our brain healthy as we age should be a priority.

While age-related neurological disorders are caused by a lot of factors from genetics to lifestyle habits, neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in an aging brain also plays a big role.

Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of your brain to reorganize and it is also the process where memory and learning take place. Neurogenesis, on the other hand, is the process of creating new brain cells.

According to a study, CBD might be able to help reduce neuroinflammation which can result in possibly increased neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

CBD and Blood Flow

In a study released by the Journal of Psychopharmacology, researchers studied how CBD affects cerebral blood flow in different parts of the brain responsible for memory processing. According to the lead author, Dr. Michael Bloomfield;

“Cannabidiol is one of the main constituents of cannabis and is gaining interest for its therapeutic potential.

There is evidence that CBD may help reduce symptoms of psychosis and anxiety. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD may improve memory function.

Additionally, CBD might cause changes in how the brain processes emotional memories, which could help to explain its reputed therapeutic effects in PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CBD on memory are unclear.”

For that study, each of 15 healthy participants without a history of cannabis usage was given 600mg of oral CBD.

CBD significantly increased blood flow in the hippocampus, however CBD did not cause significant differences in blood flow in other regions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL), of which the hippocampus is a significant component.

Conclusion

If you want to try to keep your brain healthy with the help of CBD, start with a small dose and observe how you react to it. Then increase your intake until you find the right dosage for you to produce better results.

RELATED: CBD & Hemp Products To Give You a Boost of Energy

Shannon U. is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle. 

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