Compare the Best CBD Oil for Brain Health in 2022

How CBD May Help With Brain Health

Cannabidiol or CBD is among the most studied phytocannabinoids of the Cannabis sativa plant. Research shows CBD may provide neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory benefits⁽¹⁾.

Phytocannabinoids are naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in plants. In particular, CBD has been an interest among researchers for potential therapeutic properties without the euphoric effects associated with delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)⁽²⁾.

The cannabinoid Δ9-THC is usually found in marijuana and known to cause psychoactive effects when taken.

CBD and other cannabinoids like Δ9-THC interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help modulate and influence various physiological systems⁽³⁾.

Uses and Benefits of CBD for Brain Health

Human and animal research suggests CBD may help decrease inflammatory cytokine production, ramify microglial cells, maintain cerebral circulation during ischemic (restricted blood flow) events, and reduce neuroinflammation⁽⁴⁾.

Cytokines are proteins produced by immune cells. These proteins are involved in the body’s immune responses and regulate the growth and responsiveness of cell populations.

Microglial cells are immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia in its ramified form is considered “at rest” while still able to respond to injury or threat.

CBD may help produce vasodilation (widening blood vessels) and lower blood pressure⁽⁵⁾, making it a potential alternative to protect against cerebrovascular damage caused by stroke and maintain overall brain health.

In a 2016 review, the researchers mentioned that CBD may help reduce brain damage due to ischemic or neurodegenerative conditions. They also said that CBD may help attenuate anxiety-, psychotic-, and depressive-like behavior⁽⁶⁾.

One study on mice suggested CBD may help reduce acute and apoptotic (programmed cell death) hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. Thus, CBD may potentially induce robust neuroprotection, especially in an immature brain⁽⁷⁾.

Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage is caused by oxygen deprivation in the brain.

While the study was conducted on an in-vitro animal model, it provides a viable reference for future research for human clinical trials.

CBD Dosage for Brain Health

Various factors such as diet, exercise, genetics, health conditions, and stress levels may influence your dosage for CBD⁽⁸⁾.

CBD dosage guides for brain health have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are starting to take cannabis products, one recommendation is to start on a lower dose of CBD⁽⁹⁾.

Additionally, establishing universal dosing standards may be close to impossible with about 1,000 marijuana- and hemp-derived CBD products in the market⁽¹⁰⁾.

One study mentioned that humans may tolerate high CBD doses of up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day⁽¹¹⁾.

How to Take CBD Oil for Brain Health

Several methods of taking CBD oil to help manage symptoms of CP and improve quality of life include:

• Sublingual administration: CBD tinctures are administered sublingually or under the tongue. This method allows CBD to bypass the digestive tract and spread directly into the bloodstream.

CBD oil tinctures are often administered using droppers for accurate dosing. You may also apply oromucosal sprays sublingually.

CBD tinctures are usually added with a carrier oil, such as hempseed oil (from hemp seeds) and medium-chain triglycerides or MCT oil, to dilute the CBD oil. 

MCT oil typically comes from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.

Some products are added with natural flavors like peppermint to cater to customers’ preferences.

• Oral administration: CBD ingested orally passes through the digestive tract and is processed in the liver before being carried into the bloodstream.

CBD capsules and softgels and CBD edibles like gummies, candies, and chews are examples of products taken orally.

• Topical application: Topical CBD oil products are applied to the skin for localized pain relief⁽¹²⁾.

Examples of CBD topical products include CBD creams, ointments, or lotions are applied to the skin.

• Inhalation: CBD oil may be delivered through inhalation by means of vaping. Inhalation is among the fastest ways to administer CBD into the body⁽¹³⁾.

Caution is advised if you plan to use vapes as a method to take CBD. Vaping has potential health risks that may cause damage to your lungs⁽¹⁴⁾.

Individuals with health issues like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or anxiety disorders must consult their doctor before using CBD vapes or other CBD products.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Brain Health?

There is currently no specific study on onset times of CBD for brain health.

However, data show the onset time for oral ingestion of CBD is 30 to 90 minutes⁽¹⁵⁾. 

For sublingual, topical, and transdermal administration, the time it takes for CBD to take effect is around 15 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, inhalation may take about 2 to 15 minutes

How Long Will CBD Help With Brain Health?

To date, there is insufficient scientific data on the duration of CBD’s effects on brain health.

However, in one study, CBD was shown to have a half-life of nine hours and is preferentially excreted from the body as urine⁽¹⁶⁾.

Half-life is the period a drug takes to reduce its quantity or concentration within the body by 50%.

In another study published in 2018, the researchers stated that CBD oromucosal sprays administered at doses of 5mg to 20mg may have a half-life between 1.4 and 10.9 hours⁽¹⁷⁾.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Brain Health

Some side effects of CBD use include fatigue, dry mouth, appetite loss, drowsiness, and diarrhea⁽¹⁸⁾.

One study on the effects of CBD showed that individuals prescribed with CBD oil experienced adverse effects like sedation and vivid dreams⁽¹⁹⁾.

CBD products may have a grapefruit warning on their labels. A grapefruit warning cautions users that CBD may interfere with other medications, preventing them from being metabolized and absorbed by the body.

The grapefruit warning comes from the adverse effects of grapefruit juice on other drugs. Grapefruit juice blocks the CYP3A4 enzymes that play a role in drug metabolization⁽²⁰⁾.

Unmetabolized drugs may remain in the body longer. Too much drug in the system can lead to more side effects.

How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Brain Health

Several factors determine the best CBD oil to help with brain health, such as extraction methods and the types of CBD products.

Hemp extract containing CBD can be extracted from the cannabis plant using hydrocarbon, ethanol, or CO2 extraction methods.

After extraction, the CBD extract may be classified as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oil (sometimes called full-spectrum hemp oil) contains all the cannabinoids and compounds from the cannabis plant, such as THC, cannabigerol (CBG), terpenes, and flavonoids.

CBG is a cannabinoid purported to help with neurologic disorders and inflammatory bowel disease. CBG may also have antibacterial potential⁽²¹⁾.

Terpenes are compounds that provide plants an aromatic effect, while flavonoids are known to have antioxidant properties.

Combining these compounds creates an “entourage effect,” where the combined benefits of cannabinoids and other compounds are greater than the sum of each contributing part’s benefits⁽²²⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oils usually contain similar contents as full-spectrum CBD oil except for THC. Meanwhile, CBD isolates only contain pure CBD without other cannabinoids or compounds.

Consider THC-free products like isolates or broad-spectrum CBD if you prefer CBD products without the psychoactive effects of THC.

When choosing a high-quality CBD oil product, you may consider those that are non-GMO and gluten-free.

You may also consider products made from organic hemp plants cultivated by USA organic farms certified or endorsed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many organic farms are located in Colorado, Kentucky, and California.

Reputable CBD companies also provide their CBD products with a certificate of analysis (COA). COAs are third-party lab test results that analyze the product’s actual CBD content.

Additionally, third-party lab tests determine whether the product contains harmful contaminants, like pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals, that may cause toxicity and health risks to consumers.

Consider reviewing the product’s COA to ensure the information displayed on the product’s label matches the lab results. CBD brands selling quality products must be transparent by posting the COAs on their website.

The FDA cautions consumers that CBD products marketed as food additives or dietary supplements are illegal.

Individuals interested in purchasing and using CBD to help with brain function and health should check their state’s laws to determine whether CBD or medical cannabis is legal in their area.

Legality of CBD

The enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp-based CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances list. The law also legalized the cultivation of industrially-grown hemp.

CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are considered illegal under federal law⁽²³⁾.

The legal use of CBD oil and medical marijuana may vary among states. Review your state’s laws and check your CBD product’s THC content to determine whether using CBD is legal in your area.

One important disclaimer is that you should not use CBD oil for treating any diseases or illnesses. Consult a professional health worker about your current medical condition before purchasing CBD products from a website, pharmacy, or dispensary.