CBD and the Brain: The Neurological Effects of CBD
The neurological effects of CBD have made it a popular supplement among its users. Here we will discuss the fact about CBD and the brain.
Cannabidiol is a chemical compound extracted from hemp plant which is a relative to marijuana. Unlike THC, it is a non psychoactive compound that does not cause intoxication. CBD has a wide range of health benefits. It is found to help relieve chronic pain, anxiety, lethargy, inflammation, and many other conditions. CBD makes its user feel relaxed without making it high.
So what makes it different from other cannabinoids? There are more than 100 cannabinoids found in hemp/cannabis plant. CBD also known as cannabidiol is different from the other cannabinoids. While all other cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors (cannabinoid receptors) in the nervous system, cannabidiol has a very little effect on both of the cannabinoid receptors.
Read our latest post: Best CBD Oil For Neuropathy
CB1 receptors are found in different parts of the brain. Moreover, these are connected to emotion, sensory perception, memory, and cognition.Cannabidiol does not cause intoxication or mind-altering state.
What about THC? THC on the other hand is responsible for the majority of psychological effects. THC also known as Tetrahydrocannabinol attaches itself to both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Furthermore, it affects a person’s thinking, perception, memory, and pleasure and concentration making the user feel high.
CBD and the Brain: Neurological Effects
CBD is known to have a multitude of medicinal properties. SInce this field is fairly young, more research is needed to unveil more potential health benefits of this compound. Here are some of the possible benefits of cannabidiol:
Neuroprotective Effects
CBD is thought to protect neurons from degeneration. In a study about Alzheimer’s, researchers found that CBD can inhibit the development of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Analgesic Effects
CBD is found to be useful in alleviating pain. It inhibits neuronal transmission without causing analgesic tolerance. Therefore, cannabidiol can be used as an alternative treatment for chronic pain.
Antitumor Effects
Studies have shown that a very high dose of CBD can be used to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It could also be helpful in the treatment of leukemia and other similar diseases.
Antianxiety Effects
CBD is found to help patients with anxiety. Researchers have found that CBD can be a help in treating other related conditions including PTSD also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In a 2011 study conducted with 24 patients. The subjects were given CBD or a placebo. After one and a half hours later, patients who took CBD showed a significant improvement than the others who took a placebo.
How CBD works in the Brain
CBD does not bind with the two cannabinoid receptors also known as CB1 and CB2. Moreover, it acts through different receptor-independent channels. CBD inhibits the binding action of certain protein-coupled receptors.
Here in this part of the article, we are going to discuss the receptor systems and their relationship with cannabidiol.
Serotonin System
CBD affects the serotonin 1A receptor. Serotonin receptors regulate the release of hormones like cortisol and oxytocin. Cortisol is responsible for metabolism and reaction to stress. Oxytocin affects social behavior. Serotonin receptors are also responsible for mood, cognition, and appetite.
By enhancing the activation of serotonin 1A receptors, cannabidiol hinders certain problems and disorders like neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and many more.
Vanilloid Receptors
CBD binds to vanilloid receptors or the TRPV1 receptors. TRPV1 receptors play a role in temperature regulation, inflammation, and the perception of pain.
Orphan receptors
G protein-coupled receptor 55, also known as GPR55 is called the orphan receptor since the researchers are still not sure about its belonging to a large receptor family tree. It is involved in several functions including bone reabsorption, bone density, and modulating blood pressure.
Overactive GPR55 may cause osteoporosis. It is also responsible for the multiplication and migration of cancer cells. CBD blocks this receptor and affects the cell proliferation due to cancer symptoms.
Nuclear Receptors
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors or PPARs are also known as nuclear receptors. CBD activates the PPAR receptors and produces an anti-cancer effect. PPAR receptors are found on the surface of cells’ nucleus. When PPAR gamma receptors are activated, antiproliferative effect begins. Furthermore, it causes tumors to regress in lung cancer cell lines.
CBD and the Brain: Anandamide Reuptake Inhibitor
CBD inhibits anandamide reuptake in the brain which causes increased endocannabinoid levels. Anandamide is a cannabis like chemical which has neuroprotective effects against seizures and other problems.
To get inside a human cell and to bind with a nuclear receptor, CBD has to pass through the cell membrane. CBD does it by attaching itself with fatty acid binding protein or FABP.
The same intracellular molecules are responsible for transporting tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabis-like molecules, endocannabinoids anandamide, and 2AG to different parts of the cell. CBD interferes with the endocannabinoids process by alleviating the access of anandamide to transport FABP and detaining it from getting into the cell.
RELATED: Looking for wholesale CBD products from a white label CBD products manufacturer? search on google, you will find many top-notch companies offering a wide range of high-quality products. While choosing a brand, make sure that particular company provides you with third party lab test results.
CBD and the Brain: The Therapeutic Effects
CBD has benefits over a wide range of physical and psychological conditions.
Anxiety, Stress, & Depression
While THC is found to amplify anxiety in some people, studies suggest that CBD can lessen the anxiety encountered by people with particular anxiety disorder.
Epilepsy
CBD has been found to be effective in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorder, study suggests. CBD has antiseizure properties. Furthermore, it has a mere possibility of causing adverse reactions to the users who are suffering from epilepsy.
Sleep Quality
CBD is found to promote quality sleep. Since it is found to fight against chronic pain, users who are suffering from pain induced insomnia can get benefit from using CBD oil. A small dose of CBD in the morning may help with daytime sleepiness.
Summary
CBD is gaining popularity for its numerous potential health benefits. But still it needs more research in this area. While most of the earlier studies were conducted focusing on THC, CBD has shown its great potential with regard to its medical use.
The neurological effects of CBD have made it an appealing supplement to its users. CBD works in the brain by affecting the serotonin system, vanilloid receptors, nuclear receptors, orphan receptors. CBD also was found to help with anxiety and depression, epilepsy and sleep quality. So far, CBD opens the door to innumerable options to treat many health conditions.
Remember, CBD is found in many different forms. You can choose one considering your convenience and health condition you are going to use it for. The CBD industry is currently unregulated and scammers are out there. Make sure you do research before buying a CBD product. Make sure you look into the third party lab test results before purchasing.
