CBD for Neurological Issues
By Molly McCarthy
CBD has the potential to help with many neurological conditions, which are those that effect the central or peripheral nervous systems. These are made up of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, etc.
The body’s endocannabinoid system contains receptors throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. CB1 receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while CB2 receptors are more common in the peripheral nervous system. The CB1 receptors are particularly important when it comes to neurological conditions, as they can affect things like mood, emotions, cognition, memory, sensory perception, etc.
While CBD does not bind directly to these receptors, it delays the breakdown of some of the body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which do bind to these receptors. CBD blocks the FAAH enzyme from breaking down endocannabinoids, such as anandamide (the “bliss molecule”), which results in elevated anandamide levels in the body.
CBD also enhances and inhibits the binding action of different receptors. For example, CBD has been shown to activate 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which plays a role in anxiety, sleep, pain perception, and more. On the other hand, it deactivates the GPR55 receptor, which can help decrease bone reabsorption and cancer cell proliferation.
Neurological conditions that CBD can potentially help with:
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Epilepsy
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Tourette’s Syndrome
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Parkinson’s Disease
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Huntington’s Disease
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Alzheimer’s Disease
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Multiple Sclerosis
Why CBD can help:
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Antioxidant
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Neuroprotective
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Anti-seizure
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Anti-inflammatory
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Anti-anxiety