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Cannabidiol (CBD) affects the brain
Cannabidiol (CBD) affects the brain. CBD prevents the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and mental function. High levels of CBD in the blood may reduce psychotic symptoms related to schizophrenia-like disorders, block some psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and reduce pain and anxiety.
CBD oil is available under the brand name Epidiolex in the market with a physician’s prescription. The use of CBD oil in high doses for a long time can be unsafe. CBD oil can be taken orally in doses of up to 300 mg daily for up to six months. CBD oil in higher doses of 1200-1500 mg daily can be safely taken orally but only for up to four weeks. The sprays containing CBD oil can be applied under the tongue have been used in doses of 2.5 mg for up to two weeks. For children older than 1 year, 25 mg/kg daily is recommended.
What are the benefits?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is most commonly used for some forms of childhood epilepsy that are resistant to the standard treatment.
- Epilepsy (seizure disorder): A seizure is sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in a person’s brain. CBD oil reduces seizures in adults and children with various similar conditions. It is usually taken in combination with conventional anti-seizure medicines. Although it is not approved, it is also sometimes used in treating seizures caused in cases of
- Dravet syndrome (drug-resistant epilepsy).
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (severe epilepsy in infants).
- Tuberous sclerosis complex (an inherited condition with a cancerous growth in many parts of the body).
- Sturge-Weber syndrome (a nerve disorder with birthmarks on the forehead, scalp, and eyes).
- Specific genetic disorders.
- Encephalopathy (brain damage).
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): It is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spine. Nasal spray containing CBD oil with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is effective in improving pain, muscle tightness and bladder control, and tiredness in people with MS. However, there is not enough scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
There is not enough evidence of the benefits of CBD oil, although it is used in
- Crohn’s disease (inflammatory bowel diseases).
- Arthritis (local application).
- Movement disorders.
- Dystonia (muscle disorders).
- Inherited brain disorders.
- Social anxiety disorders.
- Parkinson’s disease (a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement).
- Schizophrenia (a mental disorder that affects a person's ability to think).
- Nerve damage-induced pain.
- Bipolar disorder (extreme mood shifts).
- Sleeping problems or insomnia not responding to other meds.
What are the side effects?
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is possibly safe when taken orally or sprayed under the tongue. Some reported side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Light-headedness
- Drowsiness
- Liver injury (rare)
- Worsening of Parkinson’s disease
It is potentially unsafe to use in children younger than 1 year and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.