Compare the Best CBD Oil for CTE in 2022

How CBD May Help With CTE

Cannabidiol, popularly known as CBD, is a phytocannabinoid (plant-based cannabinoid) found in the cannabis plant. 

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound of cannabis, CBD does not cause a euphoric high⁽¹⁾. 

CBD’s neuroprotective potential, based on its purported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is of particular interest for numerous neurodegenerative disorders⁽²⁾. CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) is an example of a neurodegenerative condition.

Neurodegenerative disorders are incurable conditions resulting in the death of nerve cells. 

CTE is a cumulative brain disease caused by repeated head traumas or mild TBI (traumatic brain injury)⁽³⁾.  

CBD accounts for up to 40% of the cannabis plant’s extract that binds to various physiological targets of the ECS (endocannabinoid system)⁽⁴⁾.

The ECS is responsible for maintaining bodily homeostasis or balance. It comprises endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). 

CB1 receptors present within the pain pathways of the central nervous system may affect CBD-induced analgesia (loss of pain perception) and anxiolysis (anxiety relief)⁽⁵⁾. 

Pain and stress are common symptoms of CTE⁽⁶⁾. In addition, one of the risk factors for developing anxiety disorder is stress buildup⁽⁷⁾. CBD may help with pain⁽⁸⁾ and anxiety⁽⁹⁾.

An animal study demonstrated that in a rat’s brain, the neuroprotective effect exerted by the CB1 receptor against excitotoxicity is restricted to the CB1 receptor population situated on glutamatergic terminals⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Excitotoxicity refers to the harmful actions of neurotransmitters, mainly glutamate. Glutamate is an amino acid abundant in the brain with excitatory effects on nerve cells.

It is believed that the prolonged activation of glutamate receptors begins a cascade of neurotoxicity that leads to neurodegeneration and cell death⁽¹¹⁾.

 Neurodegeneration, a progressive loss of neurons’ functions, is common in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. 

A research article from Neuropsychopharmacology mentioned that CBD may modulate excitatory glutamate⁽¹²⁾. In addition, CBD is believed to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activity⁽¹³⁾. 

Chronic inflammation has been observed in CTE, which is thought to worsen the neurodegenerative process⁽¹⁴⁾.

Although limited studies exist examining the effect of CBD hemp oil on CTE, its putative usefulness for inflammation and neurodegeneration associated with brain conditions like CTE is plausible considering CBD’s pharmacology. 

Still, more research is warranted to elucidate how CBD may help with CTE. 

Benefits of Using CBD for CTE  

A study from Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience mentioned that cannabis, particularly chemovars with CBD and THC, may help manage CTE symptoms like headache, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, agitation, psychotic symptoms, and substance abuse⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Chemovar refers to the breakdown of a plant specifies in proportion to its chemical composition. 

An animal study from the Journal of Neurotrauma suggested that traumatic brain injury may affect neurogenesis in the adult mouse hippocampus⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Neurogenesis refers to the birth of new brain cells and neurons. 

CBD has neuroprotective potential⁽¹⁷⁾. Furthermore, research suggests that understanding how CBD may promote adult neurogenesis in rodents may shed light regarding translational therapeutic strategies that may help with certain psychiatric conditions⁽¹⁸⁾. 

It is worth noting that CTE has been associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as aggression, suicidal behavior, and depression⁽¹⁹⁾.  

Although CTE symptoms do not develop immediately after a head injury, experts believe they may progress over the years after repeated brain trauma⁽²⁰⁾.

In a sample of 266 deceased former NFL and amateur football players, the Boston University School of Medicine researchers suggested that each year of play may increase the odds of developing CTE by 30%⁽²¹⁾. 

Interestingly, the experts hypothesized that other potential variables like the position played, number of concussions, age by which players started tackle football, race, co-morbid disease, and participation in other contact sports are not associated with CTE risk or severity. 

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that affect brain function.  

Research suggests that post-injury oxidative stress is a key factor that links traumatic brain injury to an increased risk of neurodegeneration⁽²²⁾. 

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals. 

CBD may affect redox balance by modifying the activity and level of oxidants and antioxidants⁽²³⁾. The compound may also interrupt free radical chain reactions by transforming free radicals into less active forms. 

Meanwhile, individuals who want to manage their CTE symptoms may find pain management therapy helpful⁽²⁴⁾. Some studies suggest that CBD may likely treat chronic pain⁽²⁵⁾. Still, CBD should not be used indiscriminately. 

It is also worth noting that CBD is not a cure–all. Hence, the compound cannot heal brain damage or neural impairment. 

More importantly, although the studies mentioned seem promising, they are inconclusive, and some were conducted on animal models. However, researchers who want to perform clinical trials to elucidate the benefits of CBD for CTE may find the results helpful. 

How to Take CBD for CTE

There are various ways to take CBD for CTE. Below are common administration methods to benefit from the effects of CBD: 

• Inhalation (vaping or smoking CBD using vape pens)
• Ingestion (taking CBD edibles like gummies or capsules) 
• Sublingual route (holding CBD tinctures under your tongue) 
• Topical absorption (applying CBD creams or lotions to the skin for localized relief) 

Remember that these routes of administration have their pros and cons. 

For instance, inhaling CBD using vape pens is the fastest delivery method⁽²⁶⁾.

The onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is between 2 and 15 minutes, and its effect usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours⁽²⁷⁾. 

Nevertheless, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) warn people against the use of THC-containing e-cigarettes or any vaping products, mainly from informal sources⁽²⁸⁾. 

Most lung injury cases in the U.S. are associated with vaping⁽²⁹⁾. 

Meanwhile, the sublingual method also provides rapid effects without exposing the lungs to tar and heat⁽³⁰⁾. 

The capillaries under the tongue and within the mouth absorb CBD into the bloodstream before the compound is swallowed⁽³¹⁾. 

 If you choose to take CBD under the tongue, you will feel its effects within 15 to 30 minutes, and they may last from 2 to 4 hours⁽³²⁾. 

CBD Dosage for CTE

The FDA has not approved cannabidiol as a medical treatment for CTE. Therefore, there is no standard CBD dosage for the disorder. 

However, it is believed that microdoses of CBD, in the range of 0.5mg to 20mg daily, may help with headaches and nausea⁽³³⁾. 

Headache and nausea are among the common symptoms of CTE⁽³⁴⁾.  

Still, it is best to talk with a doctor versed in cannabis use to determine the accurate dose for your specific condition. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With CTE?

How long CBD takes to help with CTE usually depends on several factors, including the administration route, individual body weight, the type of CBD, and potency.

For instance, if you take CBD via the inhalation route, you will feel its effects within 2 to 15 minutes⁽³⁵⁾. However, vaping or smoking may damage your lungs⁽³⁶⁾.

On the other hand, the onset time of CBD via the sublingual route is between 15 and 30 minutes⁽³⁷⁾.  

How Long Will CBD Help With CTE?

How long CBD’s effects will last after the compound starts to help depends on its bioavailability and half-life.

Bioavailability is the extent to which a particular substance becomes entirely available to its intended biological destinations. 

Meanwhile, half-life refers to the length of time needed for the concentration of a specific drug to decrease by 50% of its starting dose. 

About 94% to 97% of a substance will have been eliminated after four to five half-lives⁽³⁸⁾. 

A systematic review from Frontiers in Pharmacology mentioned that CBD’s bioavailability following smoking is 31%, with a half-life of 31 hours⁽³⁹⁾. 

On the other hand, CBD’s bioavailability via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%⁽⁴⁰⁾. Furthermore, CBD is reported to have a half-life between 1.4 and 10.9 hours following oromucosal spray⁽⁴¹⁾. 

How to Choose the Right CBD for CTE

There are various CBD brands in the market promising to offer the best CBD oil for conditions like CTE. Here are a few pertinent factors to consider that may help you sort through products to find the right CBD product for you:

• CBD Extracts

A full-spectrum CBD product contains all compounds of the cannabis plant, including less than 0.3% of THC. Additionally, this CBD variant is known to produce the entourage effect due to the presence of all cannabis compounds. 

The entourage effect is a concept where the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together. 

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains all of the natural compounds of cannabis except for THC. Lastly, CBD isolates are made of pure cannabidiol. 

• Ingredients 

Make sure to choose CBD formats made with natural, organic ingredients or non-GMO products. 

• Extraction Method

Carbon dioxide, ethanol, or solvent extraction is preferred to create a safe CBD product⁽⁴²⁾. Extraction techniques utilizing hexane or butane may leave harmful residues, like pesticides.

• Third-Party Lab Testing

Make sure that the CBD brand you choose enlists the services of a third-party laboratory to test all of its items. This lab must provide up-to-date COAs (certificates of analysis) containing all the vital details of a particular CBD product, like its potency and consistency.  

Is It Safe to Use CBD if You Have CTE?

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), cannabidiol is generally well tolerated in humans and animals alike. The compound also has a good safety profile⁽⁴³⁾. 

Additionally, a review from Current Drug Safety reported that the chronic use and high doses of CBD, up to 1,500mg per day, are well tolerated in humans⁽⁴⁴⁾. 

Still, it is best that you consult a doctor versed in cannabis use, primarily if you are using CBD for CTE for the first time. 

Risks and Side Effects of CBD Usage for CTE

CBD may also carry some risks and produce minor side effects, including⁽⁴⁵⁾: 

• Fatigue 
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness 

Currently, no disease-modifying treatments are available for CTE. However, various medications may help improve cognitive function. 

For instance, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs may help manage different behavioral and cognitive problems⁽⁴⁶⁾. 

However, if you want to use SSRIs simultaneously with CBD, make sure to consult your healthcare provider. 

Cannabidiol is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, which metabolizes various antidepressants. Hence, the non-psychoactive compound may increase serum concentrations of antipsychotics, opioids, and SSRIs⁽⁴⁷⁾. 

CYP2D6 is an enzyme primarily expressed in the liver.  

Legality of CBD

The U.S. Congress ratified the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing the commercial use of industrial hemp and products obtained from hemp plants⁽⁴⁸⁾. 

The Farm Bill states that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with no more than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are deemed legal under federal law⁽⁴⁹⁾.

Some states have passed laws allowing the use of recreational and medical marijuana. 

In Texas, the local government passed laws in June 2019, establishing a state industrial hemp program⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Under House Bill 1325, the Texas Department of State Health Services is in charge of issuing licenses for people who want to manufacture or sell consumable hemp-derived products in the Lone Star State. 

Colorado is another state that authorizes recreational and medical marijuana use. The local government decriminalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012⁽⁵¹⁾.   

You may check government reports and journals online using a digital object identifier (DOI) to know more about various state laws. 

Still, remember that even if a specific state law indicates that CBD is legal, the only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, used to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy.