How CBD and Brain Health Are Connected

Written by: Hunter Podell, Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder
Published: March 15, 2024; Last updated: April 6, 2024

Is there truth to CBD’s brain health claims? This article dissects the scientific discussion around CBD and brain health, detailing clinical research and evidence-based studies. It approaches the topic without embellishment, providing a clear-eyed overview of CBD’s potential for treating neurological and mental health conditions, and giving insight into its mechanisms. Read on to understand the potential of CBD in fostering brain health.

Key Takeaways

• CBD has shown potential in treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and autism spectrum disorder, with patient studies underscoring safety and the FDA approving CBD for certain forms of epilepsy.

• Studies reveal CBD’s effects on brain function, including altering cerebral blood flow, interacting with cannabinoid receptors, and influencing attentional salience processing, suggesting varied therapeutic implications.

• The legal landscape for CBD is complex, with products derived from hemp being federally legal while those from cannabis remain classified as Schedule 1 substances, and there is a pressing need for more clinical research to inform FDA regulation.

CBD and Neurological Disorders

The potential of CBD in the field of neurology is profound. From alleviating neuropathic pain to improving brain function, CBD is gradually emerging as a beacon of hope for those grappling with neurological disorders. Various neurological disorders, including:

• epilepsy

• Parkinson’s disease

• Huntington’s disease

• autism spectrum disorder

Subjects have been seen to respond positively to CBD treatment, a potential treatment, in animal and human studies, with dosages measured in mg kg units.

While the use of medical cannabis, particularly CBD, for neurological disorders is not entirely new, the depth of its therapeutic benefits is only now being unearthed. The FDA has approved highly purified CBD oral solutions, for example, Epidiolex, for treating seizures associated with severe forms of epilepsy, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This move by the FDA has not only given hope to many patients and their families but also paved the way for further research in the field.

However, while CBD shows promise in treating neurological disorders, we still need more comprehensive studies involving larger populations and higher dosages. Thus, the long-term effects and the full therapeutic potential of CBD for treating neurological disorders are yet to be fully understood. But the initial findings are encouraging, to say the least.

Patient studies have underscored the safety of medical use of CBD, pointing out that no patients discontinued treatment due to adverse side effects. This is a significant step forward, particularly when considering the side effects associated with conventional treatment options for neurological disorders.

Epilepsy

CBD has made significant strides in the field of epilepsy. Epidiolex, which contains a purified form of CBD, is the only FDA-approved drug for treating seizures associated with certain forms of epilepsy. This approval has brought much-needed relief to patients grappling with drug-resistant epilepsies.

One study revealed that CBD oral solution led to a 51% reduction in median monthly convulsive seizures and a 48% reduction in total seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsies. Another study found a significant reduction in seizure frequency in 56% of the pediatric patients treated for drug-resistant epilepsy with CBD-enriched cannabis oil extract. ¹

Long-term CBD treatment was well tolerated in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex, with sustained seizure reductions over 48 weeks. Furthermore, reductions in seizures were maintained through 48 weeks in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, with many patients indicating global improvement.

These studies underscore CBD’s capabilities in managing seizures, especially in drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. However, more research is needed to further understand the full potential of CBD in managing epilepsy and to determine the most effective dosage and treatment regimen.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is another example of brain disorders where CBD shows promise. Preliminary studies suggest that CBD may help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease without worsening motor function.

An exploratory double-blind trial indicated a possible effect of CBD in improving the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease. This same study suggested a significant decrease in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores, signifying an improvement in motor function. ¹

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are exploring the use of CBD to manage symptoms such as:

• Insomnia

• Anxiety

• Tremor

• Dystonia

• Pain

However, more robust research is necessary to establish the safety, efficacy, appropriate dosage, and side effect profile of CBD for these symptoms.

These studies emphasize CBD’s potential in managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. However, we need more extensive clinical trials to validate these findings and fully explore CBD’s potential in this area.

Huntington’s Disease

Research on CBD’s efficacy in Huntington’s disease is limited. A small clinical trial conducted in 1991 showed no significant differences in chorea, a major symptom of Huntington’s disease, or other safety measures between CBD and placebo treatments. This trial administered an average daily dose of 700 mg/day of CBD.

A significant limitation of this controlled clinical trial was the small number of patients involved, which made it difficult to generalize the findings. A systematic review of further published clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of CBD for treating Huntington’s disease is needed, as there have been limited advancements in CBD research for this condition. ¹

While the 1991 trial did not yield significant results, it does not rule out the potential of CBD in treating Huntington’s disease. The need for more extensive research in this area is evident.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

CBD-enriched cannabis has shown encouraging results in treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A retrospective study on 60 children with ASD revealed that CBD-enriched cannabis resulted in improvements in behavioral outbursts, anxiety, and issues with communication. ¹

Notably, treatment with CBD has been shown to have several positive effects on individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These effects include:

• Improved symptoms of ASD

• Decreased stress levels among parents, as reflected in improved scores on the Autism Parenting Stress Index

• Significant improvements in social interaction, adaptive behaviors, and cognitive skills after 6 months of CBD treatment

The study deemed the use of CBD-enriched cannabis in children with ASD as a feasible option that holds promise for managing refractory behavioral problems. These findings pave the way for more comprehensive research on CBD’s potential as an effective therapy for ASD.

CBD’s Impact on Brain Function

CBD’s impact on brain function is as fascinating as it is complex. From affecting cerebral blood flow to interacting with cannabinoid receptors and influencing attentional salience processing, CBD’s role in brain function is multifaceted.

In awake mice, CBD immediately affects the central nervous system, characterized by an increased BOLD signal in the prefrontal cortex and the olfactory system but a decreased signal in the brainstem and cerebellum. This alteration in brain activity suggests a comprehensive effect of CBD on global brain function.

Interestingly, CBD’s activation of the prefrontal cortex and deactivation of the brainstem and cerebellum occurs without affecting other brain regions such as the hypothalamus, amygdala, or hippocampus. This points to complex interactions that may have therapeutic implications.

Neuroimaging studies in humans show that CBD may alter brain regions involved in attentional salience processing, as evidenced by reduced amygdala activation and changes in medial prefrontal-amygdala connectivity. These findings highlight the potential of CBD to influence various aspects of brain function.

Cerebral Blood Flow

One of the ways CBD impacts brain function is by altering cerebral blood flow dynamics. CBD has been observed to affect various regions of the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, where it increases blood flow.

This alteration in cerebral blood flow is not merely a passive occurrence. Instead, it may play a pivotal role in CBD’s neuroprotective effects. CBD’s ability to modulate cerebral blood flow, along with its interaction with other neuroprotective mechanisms, potentially contributes to its protective effects against neuronal injury. ²

The ability of CBD to alter cerebral blood flow dynamics not only offers insights into its mode of action but also its potential therapeutic applications. This finding paves the way for more targeted research on how CBD can be used to modulate cerebral blood flow and potentially improve brain health.

Cannabinoid Receptors

Another critical aspect of CBD’s impact on brain function is its interaction with cannabinoid receptors. CBD exhibits pharmacological activity on cannabinoid receptors, extending to an expanded range of receptor targets like GPR55 and TRP channels.

CBD’s engagement with CB2 receptors is particularly noteworthy. It initiates anti-inflammatory responses in the immune cells of the brain, which can mitigate inflammation-caused damage. This interaction with CB2 receptors is crucial for CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. ²

Beyond reducing inflammation, CBD’s action on CB2 receptors also reduces oxidative damage, contributing to its protective effects against neuronal injury. This dual action of CBD on inflammation and oxidative damage underscores its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurological disorders.

Attentional Salience Processing

CBD’s influence doesn’t stop at cerebral blood flow and cannabinoid receptors. It extends to areas of the brain involved in attentional salience processing. Acute administration of CBD modulates brain activity and connectivity patterns during cognitive tasks in healthy volunteers, which includes emotional and salience processing.

In healthy volunteers, CBD has been shown to:

• Increase fronto-limbic-striatal connectivity during salience processing

• Modulate brain activity during salience processing

• Provide insights into how CBD may influence cognitive functions

Improved cognitive function, as demonstrated by reduced reaction times on a working memory task, was observed following increased blood flow in the orbitofrontal cortex due to CBD. This finding further highlights the potential of CBD in modulating prefrontal and striatal function, as well as other aspects of brain function, and improving cognitive abilities. ²

CBD and Mental Health Conditions

In addition to its potential in managing neurological disorders, CBD also shows promise in treating mental health conditions. Studies indicate that CBD may provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD has also been shown to lead to significant improvements in PTSD symptomatology, making it potentially more favorable compared to certain existing pharmaceutical treatments.

CBD’s impact is not limited to PTSD. It has also demonstrated effects opposite to those of THC regarding functional connectivity, particularly in areas associated with attentional salience, such as response inhibition and emotional processing.

These findings suggest CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits might extend beyond neurological disorders to various mental health conditions. Further exploration is needed into CBD’s potential in the treatment of anxiety disorders, PTSD, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

CBD’s anxiolytic, or anxiety-relieving, effects have been demonstrated in both animal models and human studies. CBD has shown the ability to reduce anxiety-related behaviors across various conditions such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

These anxiolytic effects have also been witnessed in healthy human volunteers, where CBD reduced experimentally induced anxiety. Furthermore, in patients with social anxiety disorder, CBD led to improvements, indicating its possible applicability to human clinical settings.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of CBD’s potential as an anxiolytic treatment is that unlike common traditional anxiolytic drugs, CBD does not seem to induce tolerance or dependence. This makes CBD a promising alternative for long-term use.

Research has also shown that CBD increases cerebral blood flow in the cingulate cortex, a brain region associated with emotions and behavior regulation, which may contribute to its anxiety-reducing effects.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The potential for CBD to manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is encouraging. Studies indicate that CBD may aid in the extinction of aversive memories and diminish their retrieval, which is crucial for emotional processing in PTSD treatment.

Clinical evidence shows that CBD treatment contributes to a reduction in PTSD symptoms, including a decrease in PTSD symptom severity in 91% of patients over eight weeks and improvements in nightmares and sleep quality.

In addition to reducing PTSD symptoms, CBD may be effective for pain management associated with PTSD. CBD may mitigate the sensitization of the trigeminal pain circuit, which often leads to posttraumatic headaches.

These findings shine a light on CBD’s potential as a therapy for PTSD, highlighting its ability to not only reduce symptoms but also manage associated pain.

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Beyond anxiety disorders and PTSD, CBD has also been reported to have therapeutic potential for several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which are often associated with psychotic symptoms. The potential therapeutic effects of CBD for neuropsychiatric disorders are related to its impact on the endocannabinoid system and other neurophysiological functions involved in emotional regulation.

CBD does not act directly through the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor as THC does, but it interacts with multiple other receptor targets potentially relevant for psychiatric disorders. Further, CBD has been shown to modulate functional networks relevant to psychiatric disorders, which may be indicative of its role in attentional salience processing and cognitive functions.

However, cognitive assessments performed before and after CBD-rich cannabis treatment did not reveal any significant impact, indicating that such treatment did not affect cognitive abilities positively or negatively. Also, CBD may reduce neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injuries by shifting microglia from a pro-inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state, potentially benefiting individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders.

CBD’s Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

CBD’s potential benefits for neurological disorders and mental health conditions are closely linked to its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. From shielding neurons from oxidative stress to mitigating inflammation-caused damage, these properties may contribute significantly to the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.

CBD’s antioxidant properties may protect neurons from oxidative stress, a key contributor to brain damage during traumatic brain injury. Furthermore, CBD has demonstrated protection against beta-amyloid peptide toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease pathology, by interfering with the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins.

Early evidence suggests that CBD oil may have the following benefits:

• Reducing inflammation within the brain, contributing to its potential as a neuroprotective agent

• Decreasing neuronal inflammation

• Fostering neurogenesis in the hippocampus, providing potential benefits for neurodegenerative diseases.

In Parkinson’s disease, CBD has been found to influence targets such as the WNT/β-catenin pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which play a role in the disease’s development. These findings highlight the potential of CBD’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in managing neurological disorders. ³

Antioxidant Properties

CBD’s antioxidant properties are integral to its neuroprotective effects. CBD’s molecular structure has electrophilic-hydroxyl groups on its aromatic phenol ring, enabling it to be easily oxidized which contributes to its significant antioxidant capabilities. CBD has the following antioxidant actions:

• Impedes the creation of superoxide radicals and reactive oxygen species by inhibiting oxidase enzymes

• Chelates transition metal ions

• Safeguards cellular function and stability

• Prevents the triggering of pathways leading to programmed cell death

These antioxidant properties of CBD are part of its neuroprotective features.

Beyond acting directly as an antioxidant, CBD also elevates the activities of other antioxidant compounds providing prospective therapeutic advantages for conditions related to oxidative stress. These findings shed light on how CBD’s antioxidant properties may contribute to its potential therapeutic benefits for neurological disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects are another critical aspect of its potential therapeutic properties. CBD reduces the amount of pro-inflammatory molecules such as chemokines and cytokines, contributing to lessened pain and inflammation in the brain. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1beta and iNOS is decreased by CBD, helping to mitigate the advancement of neuroinflammation and subsequent neural damage.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects include:

• Attenuation of microglial activation within glial cells, which is closely associated with neuroinflammation and various neurodegenerative diseases

• Diminishing cerebral edema and reducing intracranial pressure in the case of moderate and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, which is critical in controlling inflammation and mitigating secondary brain injury

These effects are likely mediated by CBD’s interaction with receptors like PPARγ and 5-HT1A.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Despite CBD’s promising potential in managing neurological disorders and mental health conditions, we must consider legal and regulatory challenges. The lack of FDA regulation for most CBD products and varying state laws can make it challenging for consumers to navigate the CBD market.

Although CBD products derived from hemp are federally legal, CBD derived from cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 substance and is federally illegal. This distinction is critical for consumers to keep in mind when considering CBD products.

The FDA continues to take action against companies illegally selling cannabis and cannabis-derived products that are advertised for therapeutic uses without approval, in the protection of public health. This emphasizes the need for consumers to be cautious and well-informed when considering CBD products for therapeutic use.

Although the use of highly purified CBD oral solution in treating drug-resistant epilepsy is growing, a gap in knowledge about long-term adverse events remains. The therapeutic potential of CBD in treating neurological disorders, such as Huntington’s disease, underscores the necessity to await more conclusive results from ongoing clinical trials.

Legality of CBD

CBD derived from hemp is federally legal in the United States if it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. However, CBD derived from cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 substance and is federally illegal. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation, production, and sale of industrial hemp, which in turn allowed for the legal extraction and sale of CBD from hemp for ingestible purposes.

The legality of CBD products also hinges on whether they are FDA-approved; selling non-FDA-approved CBD products is illegal under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This presents another layer of complexity for consumers navigating the CBD market.

Regulatory clarity for ingestible CBD products is expected to emerge through legislation that would reinforce the need for FDA regulation to prevent unapproved CBD products from reaching the market. However, until such time, consumers must be cautious and well-informed when considering CBD products for therapeutic use.

Individual states have their own laws regarding CBD, ranging from treating all cannabis products as illegal to permitting CBD use solely for medical purposes. Hence, the legality of CBD for consumers can also vary on a state level, adding another layer of complexity to its use.

The Need for More Clinical Trials

Despite CBD’s promise in managing neurological disorders and mental health conditions, there is a clear need for more clinical trials. The FDA has issued guidance to assist in the clinical research of cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD.

The 2018 Farm Bill’s removal of hemp from the Controlled Substances Act is encouraged by the FDA to potentially speed up new cannabis-based drug development. The FDA has expressed support for well-controlled clinical trials under an Investigational New Drug application to identify patient benefits from cannabis-derived drugs.

FDA’s specific recommendations for submitting Investigational New Drug applications for botanical drug products can affect future marketing applications for cannabis-derived compounds. This indicates that while CBD presents promising potential in treating neurological disorders, its use must be backed by robust clinical research.

Summary

In conclusion, CBD holds promising potential in the field of neurological disorders and mental health conditions. From epilepsy to Parkinson’s disease, from anxiety disorders to PTSD, CBD has shown potential therapeutic benefits. Its impact on brain function, through its effects on cerebral blood flow, cannabinoid receptors, and attentional salience processing, further underscores its potential. While CBD’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties show promise, its use is not without challenges. Legal and regulatory issues abound, and more clinical trials are needed to ascertain its full therapeutic potential. As research continues to unravel the potential of CBD, it brings new hope for many grappling with neurological disorders and mental health conditions—hope for better treatments, improved quality of life, and ultimately, a healthier future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CBD help neurodegenerative disorders?

It is thought that CBD can help neurodegenerative disorders by promoting neuroprotection and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.

Can CBD help with brain fog?

CBD may not directly enhance mental processing, but it could potentially improve cognitive function by addressing underlying issues like depression or anxiety.

Does CBD improve mental health?

CBD has shown promise in improving mental health by helping patients with anxiety, insomnia, and Tourette syndrome. Studies have also indicated its potential to ease symptoms in individuals for whom traditional anxiety medication was ineffective.

How does CBD affect brain function?

CBD affects brain function by impacting cerebral blood flow, interacting with cannabinoid receptors, and influencing attentional salience processing. These effects are responsible for its impact on cognitive and emotional processes.

What are CBD’s neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties?

CBD has antioxidant properties that protect neurons from oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation-caused damage in the brain.

References

Chayasirisobhon S. (2021). The Role of Cannabidiol in Neurological Disorders. The Permanente journal, 25, 20.156. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/20.156

Sadaka, A.H., Ozuna, A.G., Ortiz, R.J. et al. Cannabidiol has a unique effect on global brain activity: a pharmacological, functional MRI study in awake mice. J Transl Med 19, 220 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02891-6

Rebecca Gilbert, M. (2023, October 17). CBD for parkinson’s disease symptoms: APDA. American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/cannabidiol-and-parkinsons-disease/

Written by Hunter Podell - Subject Matter Expert and Website Founder

Hunter has 8+ years of experience as a content writer and digital marketer. Earning his chops marketing in the healthcare space for over 5 years, Hunter is extremely familiar with the rules and regulations required to deliver high quality content that answers the user's needs while adhering to strict guidelines.