CBD: Its Effect on The Mind and Body

To say the science of the human brain is complicated is putting it mildly. The scientific community understands more about the most mind-blowing and complicated astrophysics than they do about how the human brain works. There is a growing body of research on how cannabis interacts with the brain. Breakthroughs were made in the 1960s by a team of Israeli scientists led by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. They were able to identify the chemical structures of CBD and THC. Since then, the endocannabinoid system has been discovered in the human body—the system these cannabinoids interact with. There is remarkable serendipity in humans (and other animals) evolving a biological system directly responsive to cannabis.

The endocannabinoid system has cannabinoid receptors throughout the human body. These are linked to the human nervous system, which itself is linked to the brain. Without getting too complicated, chemicals have different reactions with different receptors. In the case of CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD may dampen their response. Other receptors will bind well with CBD and trigger a neural connection through synapses in the brain. The impact CBD has on other chemicals in the brain reveals much about its potential therapeutic applications.

The 5-HT1A receptor is involved in serotonin neurotransmission. Serotonin regulates mood and this receptor may be linked to the mediation of anxiety and depression. CBD is thought to have properties which reduce anxiety. There may even be a compounding effect whereby CBD boosts the body’s own naturally produced cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids.

Non-cannabinoid chemicals are also impacted by CBD. There are signs CBD disrupts opioid receptors. This makes cannabis a promising treatment for opioid addiction by altering the brain’s reward mechanism. Dopamine, the chemical by which we feel a sense of reward, also interacts with CBD. Anandamide is another chemical discovered by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. He named it after the Sanskrit word for “bliss” as he observed the impact on human joy. CBD, however, seems to inhibit anandamide uptake and breakdown, which increases endocannabinoid levels. CBD is also believed to stimulate the growth of neurons in the hippocampus. By enlarging the hippocampus, memory and anxiety management are improved.

Pain Relief

Cannabis has been used to treat pain as far back as 2900 B.C. More recently, scientists have discovered that certain components of cannabis, including CBD, are responsible for its pain-relieving effects. The human body contains a specialized system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in regulating a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, pain and immune system response. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system. Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation and interacting with neurotransmitters. For example, one study found that CBD injections reduced pain response to surgical incisions, while another study found that oral CBD treatment significantly reduced sciatic nerve pain and inflammation. Several scientists have found that a combination of CBD and THC is effective in treating pain related to multiple sclerosis and arthritis. An oral spray called Sativex, which is a combination of THC and CBD, is approved in several countries to treat pain related to multiple sclerosis.

Reduction of Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that can have devastating impacts on health and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth. Anxiety and depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause several side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache. What is more, medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse. CBD oil has shown promise as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, leading many who live with these disorders to become interested in this natural approach.

In one study, 24 people with social anxiety disorder received either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo before a public speaking test. The group that received the CBD had significantly less anxiety, cognitive impairment and discomfort in their speech performance, compared to the placebo group. CBD has also shown antidepressant-like effects in several studies. These qualities are linked to CBD’s ability to act on the brain’s receptors for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and social behavior.

The bottom line – CBD has been studied for its potential role in treating many common health issues, including anxiety and depression. For those with cancer, it may even provide a natural alternative for pain and symptom relief. Research on the potential health benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, so new therapeutic uses for this natural remedy are sure to be discovered. Although there is much to be learned about the efficacy and safety of CBD, results from recent studies suggest that CBD may become the ideal protector of your body and mind.

Interested in learning more? Stay tuned for next month’s Cannabis Corner where I will discuss more benefits and research on CBD. Until then, stay irie friends!