Cannabidiol and Brain Injuries 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the chemicals (of the chemical class called cannabinoids), that is found in cannabis sativa plants such as marijuana and hemp. The two main chemicals (also known as extracts) in the marijuana plant are CBD and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while hemp mostly consists of CBD. Administering CBD will not get you “high” and should not be confused with the commonly known cannabinoid THC, which produces psychoactive effects such as euphoria, resulting in feeling “high.” 

 Over the years CBD has become a popular topic and has been used for multiple conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer, insomnia, mood disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression), chronic pain, and neurological conditions which includes various types of brain injuries (e.g., Traumatic Brain Injury [TBI], Strokes such as Intracerebral Hemorrhage, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Researchers believe using CBD may include positive effects on the brain such as neuroprotection (protecting the nervous system), anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety benefits. 

CBD, TBI, and the Body’s Endocannabinoid System 

It is believed that CBD can act on our endocannabinoid system and possibly other systems in our body which may benefit brain injuries and other neurological disorders. Our endocannabinoid system is important for body functions such as our appetite, sleep, mood, and even fertility. Research has also shown that our endocannabinoid system increases during pathogenic events (disease caused by bacteria and viruses) and plays a role in our brain’s repair and compensatory mechanisms. After experiencing a TBI, the injury may bring about harmful mediators which can create secondary damages in the brain through the release of toxic chemicals that can cause inflammation and oxidative stress. These secondary damages can lead to cell and tissue damage and create further complications in the brain. 

Our endocannabinoid system consists of receptors called CB1 and CB2, enzymes (proteins), transporters, and other important components that ensure proper bodily regulation. After a brain injury, the receptors in the endocannabinoid system can be harmed. It is believed that administering CBD may help fix the damaged receptors and help signal the inflammatory cells that are important in protecting us against infections and injuries to the tissues. More research is needed on the benefits of CBD and its effects on the brain. Currently, CBD is not an approved treatment for a TBI.  Before considering CBD, contact your physician to learn if it is safe and appropriate for you. The effects of CBD will also depend on the method of administrations (e.g., taking a pill), dosage, frequency and the symptoms you are trying to target (e.g., inflammation, pain, mood disorders [e.g., anxiety, depression or psychosis], insomnia, and seizures).  

Listed below are facts on how CBD differs from the cannabinoid THC. 

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Has a safer profile compared to administering THC  Does not make you feel euphoric or “high”  CBD has been shown to have very low toxicity in humans and animals in comparison to the psychoactive properties in THC  CBD is non-psychoactive (does not affect your mental state)  Studies suggest it will not alter physiological parameters such your heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, or catalepsy, in comparison to THC

 

Making CBD-Related Terms Easier

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis sativa plants such as marijuana & hemp  Endocannabinoid system consists of two main endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 that are found in our bodies  CB1 Receptors abundantly found in the brain  CB2 Receptors mainly found outside of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord)  Endocannabinoids (found naturally in the body): Cannabidiols that attach to the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies  Phytocannabinoids (found in plants): Cannabidiols that attach to the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies

 

References:

Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9, 91. https://doi.org/10.4103/sni.sni_45_18 

WebMd. (2019). CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference? https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/cbd-thc-difference#1 

Healthline. (n.d.). 7 Benefits and Uses of CBD Oil (Plus Side Effects)  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6  

Shohami, E., Cohen-Yeshurun, A., Magid, L., Algali, M., & Mechoulam, R. (2011). Endocannabinoids and traumatic brain injury. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1402–1410. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01343.x 

Russo, E. B. (2018). Cannabis Therapeutics and the Future of Neurology. Frontiers in integrative neuroscience, 12, 51. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2018.00051 

Rosado, J. (2019). Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and CBD. MarijuanaDoctors. https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/cbd/ 

Rosado, J. (2020). Traumatic Brain Injury. Marijuana Doctors. https://www.marijuanadoctors.com/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/  

Wheless, H. (2020). Affected Athletes Are Using CBD for Traumatic Brain Injury. Remedy Review. https://www.remedyreview.com/health/cbd-for-traumatic-brain-injury