This Is Your Brain On CBD

Did you know that 14% of Americans regularly use CBD? That’s one in seven adults that use a variety of different CBD products. The majority of those that use CBD (40%) use it for pain, while 20% use it to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.

Have you ever stopped to wonder what’s going on in the brain when you take CBD to produce the numerous effects associated with it? Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating affinity cannabis has for the human brain. 

How CBD Works In The Brain

While clinical trials of CBD’s affects on the brain are limited, there's evidence to suggest many of its potential therapeutic effects are related its neurological impact. 

CBD doesn't bind to cannabinoid receptors the way other cannabinoids, such as THC, do, but it does influence them indirectly. It also has a profound influence on other receptors in the brain, which is widely believed to be a big reason why it works the way it does. 

Here we'll take a deeper look at how CBD influences brain receptors, gaining a better understanding of what's behind several of its seemingly endless benefits. But first, a quick (very basic) lesson in neurobiology.

Basic Brain Biology: Nuerotransmitters, Receptors, Molecules, and More

The brain contains some 86 billion specialized cells known as neurons. These neurons communicate with one another by releasing what are known as neurotransmitters.

A receptor is a protein or combination of proteins that a molecule (such as a neurotransmitter) binds to. Whether or not a neuron is sensitive to a particular neurotransmitter depends on if that neuron contains a receptor that binds to it.

Some of the most well-known neurotransmitters in the brain are dopamine and serotonin, often referred to as the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. Other molecules (such as illicit and prescription drugs and hormones) can also bind to receptors in the brain. 

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD are an example of molecules that influence the brain through their binding affinity or indirect influence on certain receptors.

Cannabinoid Receptors

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) contains two cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. It's how cannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBC, and others interact with these receptors that causes their unique effects. 

CB1 receptors are more prominent in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found predominately in the spleen and cells and tissues of the immune system.

Here’s the thing, though. CBD doesn’t directly interact with either of these cannabinoid receptors. But if they're such a big part of the ECS, how exactly does CBD work in the brain? 

Check it out. 

CBD's Indirect Influence on the ECS

Just because CBD doesn’t bind directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, it still has a profound influence on the ECS. It just takes a more indirect approach. 

CBD, Andandamide, and FAAH

There's a large body of evidence to suggest that CBD's efficacy in reducing stress and increasing calm is related to its influence on ECS enzyme FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase). 

CBD is shown to inhibit FAAH production, which in turn creates higher levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA). Discovered in 1992 by famed cannabis researcher and scientist Rapheal Mecholaum, it was named after the Sankrit word ananda, meaning "bliss," for the blissful feelings it produces. 

There's research that shows people with lower FAAH levels are happier than those with higher levels of the enzyme. It’s also suggested the inhibition of anandamide degradation could contribute to CBD's possible antipsychotic effect that may help alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia.

TRPV Receptors and CBD

CBD also activates TRPV1 receptors, namely the vanilloid receptor 1 and capsaicin receptors. TRPV1 receptors are directly involved in functions such as the regulation of body temperature, pain regulation and inflammation, which further explains some of the cannabinoid's effects. 

CBD and Serotonin Receptors

Serotonin is one of the most famous feel good chemicals. The neurotransmitter is responsible for a multitude of different functions, including mood regulation, social behavior, memory, sleep and sexual function. 

Research shows that CBD interacts with the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor, which would explain why the cannabinoid is associated with such a broad scope of therapeutic potential. 

While many experts support that CBD’s influence on 5-HT1A could help with conditions like anxiety, depression and addictive behaviors, more research is needed before it could be used in clinical applications.

CBD and Dopamine Receptors

Dopamine is the other famous feel good chemical.  Drugs known to cause abuse increase dopamine levels in the brain, which is suggested to mediate their positive reinforcement and rewarding properties. Drug withdrawal is connected to a decrease in dopamine function.

CBD indirectly influences dopamine by activating adenosine receptors, which downregulate dopamine release. It's what's known as a partial agonist of dopamine, meaning it moderately binds to and activates dopamine receptors. 

This binding affinity is suggested to be the reason behind CBD's antipsychotic therapeutic potential. It also explains why CBD is suggested to have for helping with drug cravings and addiction.

CBD and GPR55 Receptors

CBD shows to effectively block what are known as G protein-coupled
(GPR55 receptors), where seizures often occur. This is believed to be one of the reasons why CBD has shown to be effective for the treatment of epilepsy.

To date, the only FDA-approved CBD medication is Epidiolex, which is used in the treatment two difficult to treat forms of epilepsy known as Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

Why CBD Doesn’t Make You High

Have you ever stopped to wonder why CBD doesn’t cause the high that THC does? It’s directly related to the its influence on CB1 receptors in the brain.  When THC binds to CB1 receptors they become activated and various chemical signals are sent to the brain. The result is the psychoactive effects THC is famous for. 

Basically this means if there was no such thing as the CB1 receptor, cannabis wouldn't get you high. CBD is different from THC, though. It doesn’t bind to the CB1 receptor. No CB1 receptor activation means no mind-altering effects. 

In fact, CBD is actually known to block THC from binding to CB1 receptors, which can counteract THC's psychoactive effects, decreasing adverse side effects like anxiety, paranoia and short-term memory loss.

Last Thoughts on the Complex Connection Between the Brain and CBD

The relationship CBD has with the brain is undoubtedly complex, one that researchers are still continuing to explore. 

While there are still many unanswered questions when it comes to the neurological effects of CBD, one thing is certain. The cannabinoid interacts with several different receptors in the brain, something ultimately believed to be the reason behind the myriad of possible therapeutic potential it contains.

As researchers begin to gain a better understanding of how CBD works in the brain, they will likely continue to discover and convey the promising therapeutic action the non-psychoactive cannabinoid contains.