CBD, or phytocannabinoid cannabidiol, has got antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties, and just because of this, it is being used everywhere around the world to treat various medical conditions like anxiety, depression, BPD, and more. You might have seen ads, banners, or even promotions regarding CBD-based products. Well, we can’t deny the fact that a lot of countries and people are adapting natural ways like CBD to treat their health problems.
Although it is better than consuming synthetic drugs and medicines, everything has its own advantages and limitations. So does CBD, as there are some problems in consuming it that everyone must know. You can read this post till the end to learn everything about CBD and what CBD effects are on the adolescent brain.
Difference Between CBD and THC & How They Affect The Brain?
CBD, which is also known as cannabidiol, is extracted from the hemp plant, and it contains natural compounds that can be useful in many health conditions. While THC has psychoactive properties, it activates the central nervous system’s two receptors named, CB1 and CB2.
Some studies suggest that THC can actually increase anxiety in some people, and that is why CBD is considered a safe way to deal with health issues. Well, there aren’t many differences between CBD and THC, and both of them can come in handy in the treatment of neurological and mood disorders like:
- Depression/anxiety.
- Bipolar Disorder.
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
- Migraine/Headache.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
As you can see above, there are various benefits of consuming both THC and CBD, but they must be taken in adequate quantity and according to the prescription. We do not encourage anyone to consume marijuana for recreational purposes as it can have left various long-term side effects on the brain and body. Though if you are considering them for medical and health improvement, then here is the difference between the two:
CBD:
- It does not produce the “high” associated with THC.
- Comes with anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Enhance sleep quality and reduce pain.
- Give benefits to people having epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD, etc.
- Safe and available in various forms.
THC:
- It produces the “high” associated with marijuana use.
- It can have negative effects on memory, attention, and cognitive function.
- It may also lead to addiction and dependence.
- Not suitable for everyone and is dangerous for certain people.
- It might be illegal to consume in many countries.
Things To Know Before Trying CBD Products
It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD and THC on the human brain and the appropriate use of marijuana. CBD is not for everyone, and if you are thinking of taking it to cure a medical condition, then we don’t recommend doing it on your own. Certain precautions must be taken to have the best effects of it on your body and brain. Below we have mentioned a few things that every person must keep in his mind before consuming any form of CBD product to stay on the safe side.
- Consult with a healthcare professional before consuming CBD or any form of product that has CBD infused in it.
- Make sure to buy CBD products from reputable sources, as the quality and purity of the product can vary.
- If you are already taking any medication to treat a certain condition, do not mix it with CBD.
- We recommend starting with a small dosage of CBD and increasing it slowly as you start noticing positive differences.
The long-term effects of both CBD and THC are still being studied, so make sure to follow the guidelines mentioned on the package or consult a professional for the dosage. The 2018 Farm Bill in the United States makes CBD legal to be obtained from the hemp plant, but CBD obtained from marijuana is legal only in certain states, so make sure it is legal where you are consuming it.
CBD Effects On The Brain & Body: The Ultimate Guide
As we said above, CBD can have both positive and negative effects on the body and brain. It completely depends on the type of product, quantity, and usage, how good or bad it is for your system. To make it easier for everyone to understand the benefits and disadvantages of consuming CBD for the short and long term, we have categorized them below. Do read all of these points and let us know if you fall in any of the listed below:
Positive CBD Effects On The Brain
Protects Brain Cells – While continuous consumption of THC can damage the brain cells, there are no adverse effects of CBD on the brain. A study conducted in 1999 shows that CBD actually protects that brain cells as it has neuroprotective effects that are similar to the effects on CB2 receptors in the brain.
Relieves Anxiety and Depression – More than 300 million people around the world suffer from depression and anxiety, and CBD is the best solution to treat them. Many people opt for therapies, counselling, and medicines, but none of them is proven to give the intended results, which is why CBD can be used to treat them.
Fight Psychosis and Seizures – CBD oil is a proven method of curing epilepsy and seizures in many people around the world. Various compounds of CBD actually stop the excitation of brain cells and increase the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It also increases anandamide levels in the brain resulting in the stoppage of the seizures.
Relieves Inflammation and Pain – Pure CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it can be used to treat acute and chronic pain. While there are many medicines like ibuprofen available to do that, CBD is definitely a non-addictive and easy-to-consume way of treating physical pain.
Activates The Endocannabinoid System – This system is a combination of CB1 and CB3 receptors found in the brain and immune cells. Unlike THC, which activates the CB1 receipts, CBD calms it down, resulting in non-psychoactive effects and decreased chances of memory problems and anxiety.
Negative CBD Effects On The Brain
Drowsiness – While CBD is considered a safe thing to consume, having too much of it can have negative effects on both the brain and body. If taken in higher doses, the person might experience drowsiness, and that might make it difficult to concentrate and perform tasks that require alertness.
Dry Mouth – When the glands in the mouth that produce saliva are suppressed, the person might experience a dry mouth problem. The exact mechanism by which CBD causes dry mouth is not well understood, but it is thought to be related to the interaction of CBD with the endocannabinoid system in the body.
Low Blood Pressure – If you are someone who already has a low blood-pressure problem, then you must refrain from consuming CBD as it can further lower your BP. CBD can potentially lower blood pressure, which is known as hypotension. This occurs because CBD can cause the blood vessels to dilate or expand, which allows blood to flow more easily and reduces the amount of resistance in the vessels.
Interfere With Other Medications – CBD may interact with certain medications, which can reduce their effectiveness. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking CBD if you’re currently taking any medications. Never take CBD-based products yourself without consulting with a professional.
Decreases Concentration – Various studies suggest that CBD can actually have adverse effects on memory and the brain. Consuming it in higher doses will make it hard for the person to concentrate and focus on the given task. This can be especially problematic for people who need to drive, operate heavy machinery, or perform other tasks that require alertness.
FAQs Related To CBD Effects On The Brain and Body
What Are The Long-Term Effects of CBD On The Brain?
It’s important to keep in mind that CBD affects each person differently, and some people may experience more side effects than others. Though there aren’t studies that show the negative effects of CBD on the brain, so you will be fine consuming it in a limited quantity. Long-term effects of CBD include relaxation in anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does CBD Affect Anxiety?
CBD directly interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the regulation of mood and stress response. Both preclinical and clinical studies have shown positive effects of CBD on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). It can also reduce the activity of serotonin in the brain, which helps a person in preventing frequent mood changes.
Are There Any CBD Effects On Brain Development?
CBD may have neuroprotective effects on the brain, which means it can protect brain cells from getting damaged. The antioxidant properties of CBD can actually reduce inflammation in the brain, which may be beneficial for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
What Does CBD Brain Fog Mean?
The term CBD brain fog refers to the condition when a person fails to concentrate on something after consuming CBD. If someone starts experiencing confusion, disorientation, and mental confusion, then this is also known as “CBD-induced cognitive impairment”. Although not every person might feel it, it is an effect of high CBD dosage.
Are There CBD Negative Effects On The Brain?
Yes, there can be some negative effects of CBD on the brain, but they are generally very rare before CBD is considered a safe thing to consume. Some of the negative CBD effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, low blood pressure, decrease in concentration, and loss of memory. However, these are caused when CBD is taken in very high doses or with other medications.
Final Words
Speaking with a qualified healthcare professional before consuming CBD is recommended to understand the potential risks and benefits. Every form, strain, and amount of CBD will affect the brain, so it is important to understand its chemical formulation before consuming it to treat a certain medical condition.
CBD pills will have different effects than CBD gummies effects on the brain. We have tried to mention everything related to both CBD and THC on this page, and we hope you have found this post useful. There are many similar guides available on the internet, and you can read them too if you want to know more about the effects of CBD on the human brain.