When we talk about CBD and health, often times it can be challenging to find proper research backs up the claims being made. While there are lots of studies that suggest CBD may be useful for things like mental health challenges, regulating our body’s natural cycles, and all sorts of other health issues, there’s a lot we don’t know. Since research couldn’t necessarily be conducted until legalization, we’re very much at the beginning stages of CBD research. Things are often unclear, contradictory, or if they do seem promising (which a lot of it does), research is still pre-clinical and often conducted with animals and hasn’t reached human trials yet.  

All this is to say, when we set out to discuss CBD and concussions, we were expecting a similar state of the science, as it were. What we discovered, however, is that there’s actually a large amount of research surrounding CBD and concussions. While much of it is still preliminary and currently being conducted, there’s a large amount of science to draw upon, from the ECS, inflammation, and neuro-generative qualities.  

So if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about how CBD may have potential to help with concussions, read on. For information about CBD and more generalized headaches and pain, check the linked posts.  

About Concussions 

Concussions are a fairly common injury, especially associated with sports or things lke car accidents. According to Health Canada, concussions are caused when the brain gets moved around in the skull, and are therefore a type of brain injury. Since concussions can’t be seen on brain scans, diagnosis generally has to do with observing an individual’s symptoms and behaviors, such as dizziness, sleep challenges (or too much sleep), an inability to think clearly, etc. While they generally take between 4 to 10 weeks to heal, recovery times can vary, last for a long time, or never go away. It’s important to always seek medical help if you or someone you know have experienced a traumatic injury and are exhibiting concussive symptoms.  

The Endocannabinoid System 

To start off, it’s important to understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in regulating our bodies. Simply put, the ECS is a series of receptors and transmitters that help to keep our bodies in homeostasis, or balance. The ECS contributes to everything from our sleep cycles to managing pain, mood, appetite, memory, stress, and immune responses. 

There are two main receptor sites in the ECS: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are largely found in the brain and nervous system and are linked to decreasing pain, anxiety, and inflammation.  CB2 receptors are also linked to pain management and are found primarily in organs associated with the immune system. 

CBD is known to impact the ECS, specifically in the way it interacts with CB1 receptors. Other cannabinoids present in Full or Broad Spectrum formulas, like CBC or THC, have been known to interact with CB2 receptors. 

CBD has also been shown to influence TRPV1 receptors, which are known for increasing body temperature, inflammation, and signaling pain. In one study conducted, CBD has been shown to inhibit or desensitize TRPV1 signaling, which may help to reduce the experience of pain. 

In general, there is a growing body of research to suggest that CBD’s impact on the ECS may have pain management applications and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with CBD’s potential ability to aid with sleep and concentration, and it begins to make sense why it’s so heavily spoken about as a possible support for concussion symptoms.  

For more information and a general overview investigating what we know so far about the impact CBD has our bodies, check out our post here. 

Additionally, this study found that the ECS, due to its neuroprotective qualities, is likely to play a role in the prevention and treatment of perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. While this isn’t specifically about concussion brain injury, the ECS still has potential neuroprotective qualities that may help treat concussive symptoms as well.  Also related to the ECS, this study found that due to the way CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors (as well as others), it may help support the ECS in treating traumatic brain injury.  

CBD and Concussions: General Studies 

Although this article is from a few years ago, research about CBD and its potential to help with concussions is currently being investigated. While acknowledging the research that still needs to be done, this study concludes that CBD may have potential to help with concussions due to its neuroprotective properties, something we’ll discuss in greater detail further on. This study tested alcohol, cannabis, and cigarette use after a concussive injury. While it found no symptom improvements with cannabis within the first four months of recovery, it did find that long-term concussion symptoms appeared decreased with cannabis use.  

CBD and Inflammation  

Part of the reason why CBD may be able to help mitigate concussive symptoms is due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, part of which we discussed along with the ECS earlier. We’ve also discussed this topic in our posts about arthritis and migraines if you want to learn more. Additionally, supporting compounds, like specific cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids may also exhibit potential anti-inflammatory effects. 

Possible Neuro-generative Qualities 

This research review talks about phytocannabinoids (CBD, but also including THC and other cannabinoids) as having potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, which may aid in the treatment of many brain related conditions, including neuropathic pain. This other literature review concludes that CBD (and other cannabinoids) have the potential to increase neurological functioning, working memory performance, and decrease things like motor and neurological deficiency. Additionally, another research review found that cannabinoids may have the potential to stall the effects of neurodegenerative conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review, however, reiterates that most trials so far are pre-clinical and conducted with animals, so more research is needed.  

This study found that CBD may have the potential to increase cerebral blood flow, which can help mitigate effects of altered memory challenges. This other study found that cannabinoids may have the potential, through with ECS, to help regulate adult neurogenesis. Evidence suggests that impaired neurogenesis may be associated with depression and cognitive impairment.  

All this to say, if CBD is potentially able to support our brain’s functioning, health, and healing, these properties may help to either mitigate concussive symptoms, or support our bodies as they work to heal themselves.  

Missing Science 

Currently, there are still a lot of studies in the works. Some of these studies, such as this one which tested a combination of CBD and an anesthetic conducted with animals, showed promising results. Human trials are either in progress or happening soon. Regardless, there’s still a lot we don’t know yet. Having a depth of research, especially if it’s preclinical or tested on animals, while useful, also means we still have a ways to go before we have a clear understanding of CBD, the ECS, and its impact on concussive recovery.  

Another important thing to consider is the kind of CBD being used. This study, while speaking more to brain-injuries than to concussions specifically, acknowledges the potential benefits of cannabis but also warns about some of the adverse effects THC may have on individuals, such as heightening anxiety, psychosis, or depression. Similarly, this literature review cautions that much more research is needed from a medical lens, specifically looking at people with traumatic brain injuries. It points out that much of what we know so far is based on recreational cannabis users, and highlights how biases could possibly exist within the research that may make it challenging to come to a proper conclusion. It also calls for clearer, specific studies done to learn more about the balance between CBD and THC and how a combination of the two will affect results.  

However, the review in question was written from a distinctly American perspective and focuses on the illegal nature of cannabis (and subsequence bias against recreational users), so Canadian relevancy may be challenging to assess. That said, the conclusion remains important: more research is needed before we fully understand the effects of cannabis on those with traumatic brain injuries, especially when it comes to Full Spectrum formulas.  

On the Topic of Full Spectrum 

Besides working with our ECS to possibly manage pain and inflammation, both Full and Broad Spectrum CBD is full of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. When these compounds are present, they are said to work together in what’s referred to as the ‘entourage effect,’ having a greater impact together than they would individually. More specifically, many of these compounds are being investigated for their unique and individual anti-inflammatory and pain management properties. 

Two cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC and CBC may have specific pain management applications. When studied in isolation, Delta-9 THC has been shown to interact with CB1 receptors, and studies have suggested this interaction may help to reduce pain and inflammation. CBC, on the other hand, has been shown to interact with CB2 and TRPV1 receptors when studied in isolation. 

For more information about cannabinoids, check out our post here. 

Certain terpenes have also been suggested to be useful for pain management. Myrcene, for example, is a compound that may have applications as a painkiller, sedative, and muscle relaxant when studied in isolation. Since this is a larger topic, we’ve spoken more about terpenes here. 

Additionally, flavonoids are known for being full of antioxidants, and are fairly well established for having anti-inflammatory effects when studied in the food and nutrition context or in isolation.  Cannflavin, specifically type A and B, is a kind of flavone solely found within cannabis plants. When studied in isolation, these compounds are said to have a greater anti-inflammatory effect than aspirin. Another flavonoid found within CBD, quercetin, may also have anti-inflammatory properties, according to research conducted in the food and nutrition context. For more information about the flavonoids found within CBD, check out our post here. 

While none of this is concussion specific, certain compounds within a Full Spectrum CBD formula may either work together with CBD to create a greater impact, or have effects all on their own that may aid with symptoms. However, as mentioned above, we need to know a lot more about these compounds, their bioavailability, and how they all interact with each other and our bodies before we can say anything conclusive.  

Medication Interactions 

When considering using CBD, it’s important to be aware that it has been known to interact with certain medications. Specifically, be on the lookout if your medication has grapefruit warnings. Always check in with your doctor first. For more info, check out our post on the topic here.  

TL;DR 

While we have a lot of studies either addressing CBD and concussions directly, or speaking to how CBD may be able to help mitigate certain symptoms of concussions, we’re still a long ways off from knowing anything conclusive yet. However, it’s exciting to know that research is being done and we understand a lot more now than we did before. Regardless, if you’re experiencing a concussion, know someone who is, and maybe want to check out CBD, definitely make sure you’re chatting with a health care professional first.