What effect does CBD have on the brain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is known for its relaxing and pain-relieving properties. But did you know about its direct effects on the brain? The general public still does not know exactly how CBD acts on the nervous system, but it alleviates the symptoms of many disorders, allowing people to experience a good quality of life. This natural compound is a great option for science and the medical field in terms of treatment research. So, what effect does CBD have on the brain? What exactly will happen to you when you take cannabidiol? We’ll explain everything!
How does CBD act on the brain?
Function
A study conducted in 2021 looked into the effect of CBD on the human brain. The results demonstrated that consuming cannabidiol improved front-striatal connectivity at rest in all healthy patients. In simple terms, CBD is a natural compound which has an impact on the receptors in the brain. These membrane receptors can be found on the surface of cells and transmit messages to neurons and the brain to trigger reactions. This is called the endocannabinoid system. After taking CBD, cannabidiol enters the brain and binds to receptors to affect your nervous system and your entire body (nervous system, lungs, muscles, liver, spleen, bones, skin, etc.).
Therapeutic benefits
Neural plasticity, emotion regulation, learning capability, appetite, and stress management, CBD has a positive effect on the entire body. In other words, it acts as:
- a neuroprotector to combat the negative effects of stress on brain and neuron formation;
- an anxiolytic to combat anxiety and depression;
- an anti-inflammatory to combat pain;
- a regulator for the central nervous system and dopamine production.
So, CBD doesn’t have just one effect but many effects that work synergistically to improve consumers’ quality of life and well-being!
How CBD acts on the brain
Increase in dopamine levels
The first way in which cannabidiol acts on the brain is to increase dopamine levels, also known as “the happy hormone”. Dopamine acts on the feeling of pleasure and reward, which means that the brain associates it with positive actions. CBD’s effect on the brain consists of stimulating dopamine production to improve well-being and generate satisfaction. At the benefit of this compound is that it doesn’t result in dependence! CBD does not act like a drug, it acts on dopamine levels in the short-term without producing an addictive response in the brain.
Reduced number of epileptic seizures
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder which involves episodes of convulsions or sensory, psychological, and sensitivity-related disorders. CBD may have a positive impact on this disease thanks to its antiepileptic properties. Cannabidiol can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Please be aware: it is not an alternative to any particular medical treatment. CBD’s effect on the brain can alleviate symptoms and provide patients with temporary relief. You should also ask your doctor about potential drug interactions.
Improves memory
The centre of our memory and concentration can be found in the cerebral cortex. It’s here that the temporal lobe is located, which contains two areas responsible for processing episodic memory and spatial memory. Researchers may have identified another effect of CBD on the brain, a significant increase in blood flow to this area. This means the cannabidiol may have a positive influence on individuals’ memory, which could be promising for Alzheimer’s and post-traumatic stress management.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Reducing stress, nervousness, and anxiety is probably one of the most well-known effects of CBD. Thanks to its anxiolytic properties, CBD acts as a neuroprotector. Chronic anxiety and episodes of nervousness can negatively impact neurogenesis, which is the brain ability to create new neurons. Consuming cannabidiol promotes the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which then activate neuron regeneration in the hippocampus. Therefore, CBD’s acts on the brain to counteract the effects of stress, but also relieve depression. CBD plays a role in combatting depression, without the risk of dependence.
Quitting smoking
CBD may also help to combat all forms of dependence, ranging from marijuana to tobacco. When you take drugs, your brain gets used to the increased dopamine levels and it becomes difficult to wean yourself off of them. Taking CBD allows dopamine neurotransmitters to be regulated to mitigate the effects of addiction. Additionally, by choosing to vape CBD e-liquids, you can alleviate withdrawal symptoms as the action is the same.
Mood regulation
Serious disorders such as bipolar are caused by mood swings, alternating between euphoria and depression. The effect of CBD on the brain is beneficial because it acts on the endocannabinoid system (particularly CB1 receptors) to help regulate mood in people with this type of chronic mental disorder. For all mental disorders such as schizophrenia, CBD inhibits FAAH enzyme activity which is responsible for the degradation of anandamide, a neurotransmitter.
The impact of CBD on brain activity - what are the applications?
Although there are many ongoing studies on this subject, CBD undeniably effects the human brain. So, it is interesting to consider its use in the treatment and care of illnesses such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or psychosis. There are already official medicines containing cannabidiol:
- for multiple sclerosis (Sativex);
- epilepsy in children;
- for neuropathic pain which affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
CBD is still often considered as an option to relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of certain disorders, as well as the side effects of some treatments. For example, CBD helps patients better tolerate their chemotherapy treatments by reducing pain, nausea, etc. It’s a way of living better with these diseases.
How should CBD be consumed to take advantage of its benefits on the brain?
CBD quality
Whatever the desired effect of CBD on the brain, you must choose high-quality products to guarantee your safety, comply with the law, and maximise results. CBD products legally sold and consumed in France must contain less than 0.3% THC and come from authorised hemp farming. By buying CBD from The CBD Farm, you won’t be taking any risks as our products are 100% legal, organic, and natural. We use high-quality ingredients and organic hemp. No pesticides are used and we don’t add questionable raw materials to our end products. You’ll get premium-quality and ultra-effective CBD!
Method of administration
There are several methods of administration which allow you to benefit from the effects of CBD on the brain. To decide which works best for you, it depends on the symptoms to be treated, the desired onset of action, and your preferences. You can get most products online, in pharmacies, or in specialist stores. You can choose between:
- CBD oil for sublingual or topical administration;
- CBD flowers for making infusions;
- pills and capsules to consume like food supplements;
- e-liquids for vaping like an e-cigarette;
- CBD resins and pollens.
CBD’s effect on the brain: what precautions should you take?
There are few side effects to consuming cannabidiol, and most only occur in the event of an overdose or if poor quality CBD is consumed. The potential adverse effects include migraines, nausea, or even drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce the dose of CBD that you’re taking (you may have a low tolerance) or speak to your doctor. All of CBD’s effects on the brain are different for each individual and it’s down to you to find the dosage and method of consumption which is best for you through testing!
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Vaccin COVID
Mollet November 20th 2023Bjr je voudrais savoir si sa marche sur le vaccin COVID
AJ - La Ferme du CBD November 20th 2023
cbd et fertilité
Emma March 28th 2023Bonjour et merci pour votre article ! Je me demandais s’il existerait un quelconque lien entre cbd et fertilité ?
cbd fertilité
Flavie L March 29th 2023
Votre article.
Siakowski March 23rd 2023Tres bonnes précisions. À lire absolument avant de commencer à utiliser du CBD. À faire lire a mon docteur qui a peur que je ne vois des éléphants roses...MERCI
Flavie L March 27th 2023