What Can CBD Oil Do For The Brain?

If you have been keeping up with the news for the last few years, you may have heard that CBD is quickly becoming the “magic bullet” of the 21st century. Following the massive legalization of cannabis for health and recreational purposes, hundreds of thousands of people are now using CBD for its wide range of health potential.

What is CBD?

CBD — short for cannabidiol — is one of more than 100 primary active compounds (or cannabinoids) naturally found in all varieties of Cannabis Sativa L. plants such as marijuana and hemp. Most of us are familiar with another active compound found in the cannabis plants: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is famed for its psychoactive effects or “high”.

Though both CBD and THC have much of the same potential health and wellness benefits, there is one notable difference. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive properties; this makes it ideal for reaping the potential health benefits of cannabis without any intoxication. At New Age Hemp, we offer complete transparency by conducting third party testing on every single batch of CBD products we process and by making those lab test results available to you. We use an independent, 3rd party lab, currently Steep Hill, to test to measure total THC per batch to scientifically validate the products’ quality ingredients and contents. When you shop with us, you can be sure that what you are getting is pure and has no more than 0.3% THC.

CBD’s potential nootropic benefits

While research on CBD oil is still in its early phases, evidence is arising to back its potential nootropic benefits. If you are considering getting on the CBD bandwagon and using CBD to potentially enhance your cognitive skills, the following points should inform you that CBD can have positive effects for your brain.

CBD can potentially help with stress & anxiety

Chronically high levels of stress hormones — particularly corticosteroid — can wreak havoc on your body and lead to a host of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal problems, compromised immune system, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, muscle tension, and endocannabinoid imbalance. CBD can potentially help you prevent these health complications by reinvigorating your baseline stress response. Numerous clinical studies support the stress-relieving effects of CBD:

A 2010 research article published by the Departments of Neurosciences and Behavior (University of São Paulo, Brazil) investigating CBD’s effects on human pathological anxiety and its underlying brain mechanisms showed that CBD could reduce anxiety in people with a generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD). The results were verified with the data obtained from statistical parametric mapping or SPM — an analytical technique used to examine variations in brain activity observed during functional brain imaging. The Departments of Neurosciences and Behavior published another research paper a year later, suggesting that CBD reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking.

A 2014 research study conducted by the Institute of Psychiatry (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) found that appropriately dosed CBD oil had antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects in an animal model.

A 2015 research paper published by the New York University Grossman School of Medicine showed that CBD could be a promising treatment for numerous forms of anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research was supported by the review of evidence from preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological trials.

A 2016 case study by Dr. Scott M. Shannon, MD, showed that CBD oil significantly reduced PTSD and anxiety-provoked sleep disorder in a child who has experienced trauma.

CBD can potentially help with sleep disorders

Sleep is probably the single most important mechanism for maintaining peak brainpower; sleeping even a few hours less at night can have a detrimental effect on your cognitive performance throughout the day. Let’s be clear: CBD is not a sleep aid. Since sleep problems such as sleep apnea and insomnia are often triggered by stress and anxiety, CBD may improve your sleep quality by potentially managing those issues.

CBD can potentially help you fight addiction

Last but not least, another highly touted use of CBD is to help with substance dependence. Early clinical research indicates that CBD can potentially help alleviate the cravings for opioids, cocaine, psychostimulants, cannabis, tobacco, and perhaps even alcohol.

Are there risks to using CBD?

CBD’s long-term health effects are not yet fully known, as CBD research is still a relatively new concept.

We would still advise you to talk to a trusted medical professional before you use CBD, especially if you are already following a prescribed treatment plan — CBD could interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize other medications or dietary supplements you are taking. You may also want to research your state laws regarding the use of cannabis products.

Conclusion

Now that you know about CBD oil’s potential nootropic benefits, if you are interested in giving CBD a shot, check out our online selection of CBD oil products today. Also, don’t forget to head over to the main page of New Age Hemp’s blog for more insights and news on CBD.