Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a natural compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. The use of CBD for self-care and wellness purposes has been gaining traction in recent years due to its reported potential therapeutic effects on human well-being. Now, more and more people are turning to CBD as a potential treatment for a variety of health conditions, from chronic pain to anxiety and depression.
As a result, many are curious about the impact of CBD on the human brain, with more questions and misconceptions arising around the substance. How exactly does it work in the human body? Is it beneficial or detrimental to the human brain? Are there any potential health risks you should know about before implementing CBD into your routine?
In this article, we will search for answers to those questions and explore the potential effects of CBD on the human brain and the potential implications for its use. We will discuss the current research and the potential risks and benefits associated with its use, and how it may affect mental health and overall brain functioning.
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD is one of over 100+ compounds, also known as cannabinoids, found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects or make people feel “high.” Instead, it is known for its potential therapeutic benefits on human health, which is why it is being increasingly used in various self-care and wellness products.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various functions in the body, such as mood, appetite, pain, and inflammation. CBD is thought to work by influencing the receptors in the ECS and stimulating the production of neurotransmitters, which can help deal with various health conditions.
What Does the Research Say About CBD and the Brain?
While only a decade ago, we didn’t have much insight into CBD’s effects on various health issues, today, we can look into what research says about CBD for tinnitus, migraine, arthritis, skin conditions, and many other health issues and diseases.
When it comes to the potential effects of CBD on the brain, they are still being studied, and more research is needed in this area to fully understand how it works. However, the available research does suggest that CBD may have some beneficial effects on brain function and mental health.
For instance, recent experimental studies found that CBD may help to protect the brain from damage caused by alcohol consumption – “CBD reduces alcohol-related brain damage, preventing neuronal loss by its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties,” in addition to reducing alcohol-related steatosis processes in the liver.
There are also studies suggesting that CBD may help curb alcohol consumption – an observational study from 2021 concludes that “the CBD group drank fewer drinks per drinking day, had fewer alcohol use days, and fewer alcohol and cannabis co-use days compared with the other groups.”
One study found that CBD may help to protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that CBD was able to reduce the build-up of amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also a growing body of research on CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety levels in people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD), showing a reduction in the anxiety provoked by simulated public speaking by a single dose of CBD in patients with SAD. Moreover, “CBD was found to exert a significant effect on increased brain activity in the right posterior cingulate cortex that is thought to be involved in the processing of emotional information.”
There is also some evidence to suggest that CBD may help to treat other mental health conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia. However, more research is needed in this area to confirm these effects.
And, of course, considering that the only FDA-approved CBD-based drug Epidiolex is used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy – Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome – or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), there is strong evidence that CBD may help to improve seizure control.
Are There Any Potential Risks Associated With Using CBD?
Although CBD is generally considered to be safe, there are some potential risks associated with its use. The most common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, these side effects are typically mild and temporary.
While there are some potential risks associated with using CBD, these are typically associated with incorrect use. CBD is not regulated by the FDA, which means that CBD-based may contain impurities or other harmful substances. For this reason, it’s important to only purchase high-quality CBD products from reputable sources to avoid negative effects.
Always start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. It is also important to note that CBD can interact with other medications you may be taking and should not be used without medical supervision.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a natural compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant that has been shown to have some potential therapeutic benefits on human health. There is a growing body of research on the potential therapeutic effects of CBD, with studies suggesting it may be helpful in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression, reducing inflammation and pain, and protecting the brain from damage caused by chronic alcohol exposure.
However, more research is needed in this area to fully understand how it works and what implications it may have for human health.
CBD is generally considered to be safe, but there are some potential risks associated with its use. These include mild side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and fatigue when taken in excessive amounts. Therefore, it is important to only use CBD after consulting with your healthcare provider.