Cannabidiol: Mental Health Uses and Cautions
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Intro to CBD
~ THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis
~ THC has antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-tremor, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulating and anti-emetic properties
~ High levels of THC is commonly used for its sleep-inducing effects
~ THC mimics the effects of anandamide and 2-AG (endogenous cannabinoid) which modulates sleeping and eating habits, the perception of pain
~ GABA neurons contain CBD receptors which are activated upon useof THC (and maybe CBD) https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-the-link-between-marijuana-and-dopamine-n823
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22625422
CBD cont…
~ CBD is the major nonpsychoactive component of Cannabis sativa.
~ According to a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, CBD benefits include acting as an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antiemetic, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and antipsychotic effects
~ A biphasic drug has different effects on the body at different blood concentration levels.
~ Ex. Alcohol acts as a stimulant until BAC levels reach 0.05%. After this point it causes sedation and depression
~ At a low concentration CBD increases wakefulness, alertness and other elevating responses.
~ At higher levels CBD has a sedating effect
CBD cont…
~ 36% of respondents reported that CBD treats their medical condition(s) “very well by itself,” while only 4.3% reported “not very well.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
The Cannabinoid Receptors
~ CBD and THC both bind to the CB 1 & 2 receptors, they interact with them different ways
~ CB1 and CB2 are both responsible for regulating neuro-hormones which are involved in memory, mood, sensations of pain and appetite regulation
~ CB1
~ Found in the CNS and responds to endogenous cannabinoids, as well as THC (agonist) and CBD (mild antagonist).
~ Abundant in areas of the brain concerned with movement, coordination, pain and sensory perception, emotion, memory, cognition, autonomic and endocrine (hormone) functions
The Cannabinoid Receptors
~ CB2
~ Found only in the immune system and not in the CNS, but seems to reduce inflammation and related pain.
~ It responds to endogenous cannabinoids, as well as CBD, THC
Alcohol and CBD
~ The CB1 receptor is a significant player in the reinforcing and motivating attributes of alcohol. Combining alcohol and CBD results in significantly lower blood levels of alcohol.
~ CBD reduces the reinforcement, motivation and relapse for alcohol.
~ CBD attenuates alcohol-induced liver steatosis, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation and neutrophil-mediated injury.
~ Cannabinoids have an effect on nearly all enzymes responsible for metabolizing alcohol.
~ Cannabinoid antagonists also mitigate alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
~ CB1 receptor agonists (THC) encourage alcohol consumption, while CB1 receptor antagonists (CBD) decrease it.
Benefits of CBD
~ According to the National Institute of Health, manipulating the endocannabinoid system by introducing external cannabinoids like CBD could be useful in treating a variety of medical ailments, including:
How CBD Impacts Mood
~ CBD can help people recover from Clostridium difficile toxin A toxicity and restore the intestinal barrier* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC57