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As medical cannabis use moves into the mainstream, you may be wondering how CBD affects the brain. From the science to the benefits, we explore this below. And hopefully after reading, you’ll understand the effects of CBD for anxiety and stress relief, better sleep, alleviating depression and brain recovery.
How CBD Interacts with the Brain
The endocannabinoid system, or the ECS, is a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. The ECS influences and modulates pretty much every single function within your body, directing, correcting and managing your overall health.
One of the core components of the ECS are the cannabinoid receptors, which includes CB1 and CB2. They’re one of the main reasons behind why cannabis works so positively on so many different conditions. Endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters, bind to cannabinoid receptors. CBD and neurotransmitters work together to promote the production of hormones such as serotonin and dopamine, and affect GABA levels, which these receptors then react to.
Hormones can have a huge impact on your mood. For example serotonin and dopamine are key to staying content and calm, but also engaged and excited. A healthy balance of the two is crucial in elevating your mood and keeping you productive.
What are the benefits of CBD for Brain Health?
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
The potential benefits of cannabis for anxiety vary, from creating a greater sense of calm, to improved mood, relaxation, and peace of mind.
This data reports more than three-quarters of survey-takers seeing positive effects from medical cannabis. And this recent study also found that strains high in THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) and CBD (the main non-intoxicating ingredient) both had a positive impact on anxiety symptoms.
Another study from 2020 had similar findings, but with more evidence to support CBD’s effect on anxiety.
Promotes Better Sleep
There’s research that implies that TCH can induce sleep. When these cannabinoids bind to receptors in the brain, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system, causing you to feel sedated or sleepy.
THC also typically reduces the amount of REM sleep you get, which reduces dreams, and potentially reduces nightmares for people who experience PTSD. If you spend less time dreaming, you’ll spend more time in a “deep sleep” state, which is thought to be the most restorative, restful part of the sleep cycle.
For some people, usually those who are new to using cannabis or taking higher doses, THC can have a stimulating effect. In these instances, using it before bed could delay you falling asleep. It may be better to look for CBD if this is the case, as it can promote alertness at lower doses, and sleepiness at higher doses.
Both CBD and THC may also help improve sleep for people living with chronic pain. However, the effects of the two compounds together depends on the dose and timing, so it's best to speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor to figure out what’s best for you.
Alleviates Depression Symptoms
There’s an untrue stereotype that cannabis can make you depressed. However, while neither science or society is certain, a 2022 systematic review was cautiously optimistic. It stated that, while further research was key, cannabis may be “a viable long-term treatment” for mental health issues like depression.
People who have depression are twice as likely to use cannabis, which could suggest people are self-treating the condition.
Neuroprotection and Brain Injury Recovery
A recent study dives into CBD and the neuroprotective effects it has. The findings revealed the incredible potential CBD has: it could reduce brain damage and inflammation, and could help treat neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's diseases and epilepsy.
Negative Effects of CBD on the Brain
Just like with any other medicine, some people can experience side effects from CBD. This can include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Although very rare and unlikely, there can be some long-term effects. And as the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis become clearer, it’s vital we also outline these risks.
Dependence
Cannabis addiction is rare and unlikely, but possible - around 9% of cannabis users develop dependence. For many patients, long-term use of medical cannabis is necessary. And that’s completely fine, as long as you stay mindful of over usage. Speak to your pharmacist or specialist doctor if you’re ever worried.
Paranoia
This is only really a concern for those who already suffer from paranoia. A 2015 Oxford study claimed that, rather than creating feelings of paranoia, cannabis was actually shown to reveal them.
Schizophrenia
Just like with paranoia, people who are predisposed are at the highest risk – in particular, young people. To prevent this side effect, under-18s aren’t eligible for medical cannabis prescriptions under UK law, and every patient must undergo a rigorous screening process with a specialist doctor before they can receive medication.
Mood disorders
Whilst there’s not much to go on when it comes to cannabis and mood disorders, statistics do show higher rates of cannabis use among people with conditions like bipolar disorder. However, just like with depression, it’s unclear whether cannabis puts people at higher risk, or whether people who already have these conditions are self-treating.
Although CBD is considered safe and is available over the counter, it’s still important to be aware that, although unlikely, there can be side effects. We recommend checking with your GP or a specialist before you add it to your treatment plan. It can sometimes negatively interact with other medication you may be prescribed.
How to Use CBD Safely for Brain Health
Your specialist doctor or pharmacist should be able to guide you on what dosage to begin on. As a general rule, start low and adjust gradually. But, some things that could influence your ideal CBD dosage include:
- Weight and body size. Smaller people typically can’t tolerate as high a dose.
- If you have a fast metabolism, you may need higher or more frequent doses.
- The strength or ‘potency’ of the CBD.
- Whether you’re new to CBD, or have built up a tolerance over time.
There are a number of different ways to consume CBD, and finding what works for you may take some trial and error. A good place to start is having a conversation with your specialist doctor. They’ll be able to take you through different consumption methods, whilst also taking your feelings into account, so together you can find something suitable.
Remember, you may not find what works for you the first few times of use, and the way you react to certain methods and strains may not be how other people react. Just be patient - eventually you should find something that works for you. Below are some ways to consume cannabis:
- Smoking, however this is never recommended by UK cannabis prescribing doctors, and voids the ‘legal status’ of your prescription
- Dry herb vaporiser
- Vape cartridges
- Edibles
- Oils
Summary
From relieving anxiety, stress, PTSD and depression to helping with sleep, it’s undeniable that CBD has many positive benefits on the brain.
However, it’s still important to consider potential risks. While very rare, they are a possibility. Starting your medical cannabis journey with a clinic like Alternaleaf is a step in the right direction. Our specialist doctors and pharmacists will be able to guide you through every part of your treatment journey and give advice on what’s best for you, whilst taking into account your feelings.
For more information, get in touch with our team today.