Cannabis and The Brain
Cannabis plays an incredible role throughout the body when ingested, in particular it has particularly positive effects throughout the brain. Cannabis is characterized by cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, which are two of the most sought-after components contained within the plant. These cannabinoids communicate with the human endocannabinoid system that runs throughout the body. This system contains two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, which serve their own unique purposes. The CB1 receptor in particular is found on brain cells. The location of these receptors is what allows cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, to affect our brain. So how exactly can cannabis help the brain?
Cannabis and Brain Injuries
Cannabis is well known for having many health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties and mood boosting abilities. It is nothing short of a miracle plant, but did you know that cannabis can even help prevent brain injury and brain damage? Both THC and CBD can have a positive effect on brain health and injury prevention in three unique ways:
Helps Manage Glutamate Glutamate is a very important neurotransmitter that is responsible for transmitting signals across cells. As a result, it is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the human brain, accounting for over 90% of synaptic communication1. Unfortunately, when brain injuries occur, they can cause the brain to produce too much of this neurotransmitter, which can actually lead to the death of brain cells, resulting in brain damage. Fortunately, when activated by CBD or THC, the CB1 receptor can help to manage and reduce the release of this neurotransmitter. This is key to helping manage early damage from brain injuries, or preventing excess damage from occurring. In one study on TBI patients, it was determined that those with THC in their blood had a better chance of surviving brain injury. In fact, according to the study, only 2% of individuals with THC in their bloodstream did not survive their brain injury, compared to the 12% of individuals without THC in their system who did not survive.2 This is very promising data for the potential of THC in preventing brain injury.
Helps Reduce Free Radicals Another instance of brain injury is the release of free radicals, which are harmful chemicals that can damage DNA, impair cell operation and even result in cell death. Free radicals are a 1 2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate_(neurotransmitter) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25264643
naturally-occuring by-product of cell function and the human body is designed to manage and eliminate them, to a point. However, with injury, the levels will rise to a level that requires potent antioxidants in order to assist the body in eliminating them. This is where cannabis comes in. Both CBD and THC have powerful antioxidant components, which was confirmed in a landmark study published in 2000 from Maryland's National Institute of Mental Health3. This study not only confirmed that THC and CBD can prevent glutamate toxicity but also that cannabinoids can reduce toxicity in neurons caused by free radicals. Another study from 1998 compared cannabinoids with vitamins C and E, which are notably potent antioxidants, and found cannabinoids were 30-50% more effective4.
Reduces Brain Inflammation The third component to brain injuries and damage is brain inflammation. Injury causes the body's inflammatory response to activate in order to repair damage, whether it is a brain injury or you stubbed your toe, the body responds the same. Unfortunately, this inflammatory repair response in the brain can hinder the brains function, affecting how the brain communicates. As both THC and CBD can manage this inflammatory response, they can be very effective at treating brain injuries. However, dosage becomes a very important component when treating for inflammation as too much THC can actually increase inflammation, where smaller doses have more effective anti-inflammatory properties.
Cannabis and Brain Aging
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10863546 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC20965/
Beyond helping to prevent brain damage and injury from trauma, cannabis can also help to protect the brain against aging. Cannabis is able to improve the brains resilience to chronic stress and aging, in part due to the anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce the inflammatory response and prevent changes in the brain that can lead to aging, and also by managing free radicals in the brain. Perhaps the most impressive way cannabis can help protect the brain against aging is through its ability to facilitate the growth of new brain cells. These cells are produced in the hippocampus and activation of the CB1 receptor, can actually lead to production of new cells as well as the management of anandamide levels. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter known as the "bliss molecule" and is responsible for not only mood but also helping with memory, motivation and higher through processes, as well as movement control. Low-doses of THC are able to help preserve cognitive function, protecting the brain age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's. In addition, THC has been proven effective against beta-amyloid proteins according to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease5 and one from the Salk Institute6. The medical community have determined that these proteins are a trademark indicator of Alzheimer’s Disease and are linked to the degenerative qualities of this disease due. A 2016 study7 found that THC reduced the levels of this protein and stopped the inflammatory response, allowing the cells to survive.
Buy Cannabis Online Cannabis is a great addition to any healthy lifestyle and new studies emerging daily on the benefits of cannabis on the brain. With legalization occurring throughout North America and the increase in both local and online cannabis dispensaries, it is becoming more available to individuals interested in benefiting. FairCannaCare.com is one such dispensary that is devoted to providing low-cost cannabis for patients and individuals who cannot afford the cost of their medication. Click here to browse the store and see how easy it is to buy cannabis online! Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate_(neurotransmitter) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25264643 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10863546 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC20965/ https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad140093 https://www.salk.edu/news-release/cannabinoids-remove-plaque-forming-alzheimers-proteinsfrom-brain-cells/ https://www.nature.com/articles/npjamd201612 https://www.leafly.com/news/health/cannabis-effects-brain-damage-after-injury
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https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-alzheimers-disease/jad140093 https://www.salk.edu/news-release/cannabinoids-remove-plaque-forming-alzheimers-proteins-frombrain-cells/ 7 https://www.nature.com/articles/npjamd201612 6