Numerous studies demonstrate the neuroprotective qualities of CBD against traumatic brain injury. It reduces excitotoxicity, apoptosis and inflammation; furthermore it inhibits release of proinflammatory cytokines.
Interprofessional healthcare teams should monitor patients receiving CBD therapy, assess potential contraindications, and implement effective communication and collaboration measures.
Analgesic
Cannabidiol has been found to possess analgesic properties in animals, apparently working by inhibiting cortisol and catecholamine release as well as decreasing nerve cell sensitivity to pain. As such, it is currently used in combination with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as part of an effective multiple sclerosis spasticity treatment treatment under the brand name Sativex.
CBD interacts with substrates of CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2C9 such as cimetidine, theophylline and tizanidine that use these pathways for metabolism; coadministration may lead to increased serum concentrations of these drugs resulting in potential liver toxicity; patients taking CBD should be monitored carefully and given dose reductions or adjustments accordingly if taking these other drugs at the same time.
Antidepressant
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis sativa plants (commonly referred to as marijuana or hemp), commonly used to treat mental health issues like anxiety and depression. CBD has shown promising results at relieving depression symptoms; however further research needs to be completed in this field.
Antidepressant-like effects of CBD oil are due to its ability to inhibit monoacylglycerol (MAG) breakdown and boost neurogenesis. Furthermore, this endocannabinoid system regulates stress-related hormone production as well as neurotransmitter release within the brain.
CBD exerts only a weak inhibitory effect on CYP1A2, and coadministration may lead to increased exposure. Furthermore, increased plasma concentrations of CYP2C19 substrates like Clobazam may necessitate dose adjustments.
Antipsychotic
Cannabis sativa contains antipsychotic properties, with CBD having been proven to alleviate psychotic symptoms associated with schizophrenia patients and have cognitive-enhancing benefits in these cases. Additional research will need to be completed in order to ascertain its efficacy as an antipsychotic.
Psychosis treatments currently available are only minimally effective and can have serious side effects, especially cognitive impairment. CBD could offer a more targeted and specific way to address psychosis by targeting its actions on this system.
Recent preclinical studies indicate that CBD may have antipsychotic and anxiolytic properties and could potentially help those suffering from coexisting cannabis use disorder and psychosis. However, such claims must first be tested through controlled trials to be validated.
Antiepileptic
CBD, a compound found in cannabis, has been shown to significantly decrease seizures among those suffering from epilepsy. Indeed, it was the first cannabinoid approved by the FDA specifically for this use; Epidiolex treats seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in children over two years of age.
CBD has demonstrated numerous therapeutic effects beyond antiepileptic activity. Studies have identified analgesic, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiparkinsonian, mood stabilizing and neuroprotective benefits. Furthermore, studies have also uncovered improvements to cognitive function, depression/anxiety reduction as well as alleviating symptoms related to PTSD/TBI.
Anti-parkinsonian
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by dopamine depletion in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the brain. Its symptoms include tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Cannabis has been shown to alleviate both motor and nonmotor symptoms associated with PD in observational studies conducted over time.
THCV, the major phytocannabinoid in marijuana, inhibits GSK-3b phosphorylation to prevent WNT/b-catenin pathway activation. Furthermore, it acts as a sedative and antiepileptic, while having antidepressant properties.
Cannabidiol is a lipid-soluble compound that accumulates in fatty tissues for up to four weeks before it is eliminated by metabolism through various CYP450 isoenzymes, with its terminal elimination half-life lasting over four weeks and being metabolized into many forms including caffeine and theophylline as potential interactions as well as bupropion and efavirenz for which it may act as weak inhibitors of CYP3A4, thus decreasing serum concentration levels.
Mood stabilizer
Mood disorders are a subcategory of mental illness characterized by significant fluctuations in one’s emotions, including depression and mania. Cannabis may help treat some symptoms associated with mood disorders; however, before engaging in its use. For optimal results it’s recommended consulting a healthcare provider prior to any attempts at treatment.
As is generally recommended, it’s wise to avoid mixing CBD and lithium, as this could increase lithium toxicity, leading to symptoms like drowsiness and ataxia as well as increasing suicidal thoughts and feelings.
CBD, or Cannabidiol, can be found in marijuana, hemp and other plants and has no psychoactive properties; hence it won’t get you high. Instead it acts as an all-natural mood stabilizer to reduce anxiety and depression.
Neuroprotective
Neuroprotection refers to the practice of protecting neurons – the building blocks of our brains – from damage. This can be accomplished with certain medications such as CBD. Research shows that CBD protects neurons against oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption due to cerebral ischemia.
CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid with numerous potential medicinal uses. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding directly to CB1 and CB2 receptors, targeting anandamide membrane transporters and degrading enzymes indirectly, inhibiting low voltage-activated calcium channels, increasing inhibitory glycine receptor activity and stimulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma simultaneously.
