Compare the Best CBD Oils for Stroke in 2022

How CBD May Help With Stroke 

The non-psychoactive compound of Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol, may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties⁽¹⁾. CBD may induce favorable pharmacological effects in ischemic stroke⁽²⁾.  

An ischemic stroke transpires due to a blockage of blood flow through an artery that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Blood clots often induce blockage.

Researchers of one study examined a neonatal rat model of arterial ischemic stroke⁽³⁾. Results suggest CBD’s neuroprotective characteristics following post-stroke administration.

Meanwhile, research studies show that cannabidiol may reduce neural loss and apoptosis⁽⁴⁾. Apoptosis is cell death.

Researchers reported that CBD reduced nerve cell damage or death, neuronal toxicity, and potential neurological damage.  

Another animal study with mice subjects noted that short-term CBD treatment may produce functional recovery of rodents with ischemia and may impact the multiple and distinct targets connected with ischemic brain injury⁽⁵⁾.

Still, human trials are necessitated to determine whether CBD may induce the same therapeutic effects in human subjects.

Meanwhile, researchers have examined the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) neuropharmacological implications due to its significant distribution in the central nervous system (CNS)⁽⁶⁾, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

The ECS plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body, including the brain, immune system, and endocrine system⁽⁷⁾. The two cannabinoid receptors of the ECS are cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) receptors.

Research indicates that the ECS may help relieve symptoms of neurological disorders and pathological conditions⁽⁸⁾.

Cannabis-derived cannabinoids like CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may help limit neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity⁽⁹⁾.

Neuroinflammation is the activation of the brain’s immune system. Excitotoxicity describes the toxic actions of excitatory neurotransmitters. 

Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production and buildup of oxygen active species (ROS) in tissues and cells. 

THC is a mind-altering psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that combines with the CB1 receptor and may store cognitive functions and memory in aged animals.

In addition, THC is believed to promote neurogenesis⁽¹⁰⁾, the growth and development of an individual’s nervous tissue.

Meanwhile, cannabidiol has a low affinity with CB1 and CB2 receptors and may interfere with the ECS by directly and indirectly modulating various nuclear receptor families⁽¹¹⁾.

A study that examined CBD’s neuroprotective properties⁽¹²⁾. The researchers hypothesized that CBD administration may significantly reduce the infarction volume in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemia.

Infarction is tissue death resulting from an inadequate blood supply. 

In addition, a study published in the Mediators of Inflammation journal reported that CBD treatment has drastically lowered cytokine levels⁽¹³⁾. Cytokines are immune system-secreted substances.   

Moreover, cytokines are crucial players in the inflammatory mechanism and are major contributors to the progression of ischemic damage⁽¹⁴⁾.

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Stroke

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that purportedly has anti-inflammatory, anxiety-relieving, and neuroprotective properties⁽¹⁵⁾. Research shows that inflammation may lead to Ischemic stroke, while nerve pain may be a post-stroke symptom^(16-17). 

Thus, CBD may provide potential pharmacological benefits for the symptoms of stroke patients, However, additional research is needed.

CBD’s neuroprotective effects, which may enhance the recovery of stroke patients, have been demonstrated in various studies.

A medical study published in the Pharmacological Research journal noted that CBD had been shown to attenuate brain damage that involves ischemic conditions and neurodegenerative disorders⁽¹⁸⁾.  

Furthermore, researchers suggested that CBD can facilitate the formation of neurons in the brain, known as neurogenesis, and affect synaptic plasticity⁽¹⁹⁾. Synaptic plasticity is the brain’s ability to alter and adapt to new information. 

In an animal study, newborn mice with hypoxic-ischemic brain damage were administered CBD⁽²⁰⁾. Results suggested that CBD impacted robust neuroprotection in the immature brains of newborn mice.

These purported benefits of CBD in neuroprotection are promising for stroke patients. However, more research is warranted as these CBD studies are inconclusive.

It is advisable to deliberate with a medical practitioner before using CBD products for your condition.

How to Take CBD Oil for Stroke

In most situations, CBD products are taken sublingually, orally, topically, transdermally, and through inhalation. 

However, no particular recommendations exist on how to take CBD for stroke. 

Individuals must consider various issues, such as the intended effects and time to experience the therapeutic effects, when choosing the best CBD method of administration.  

CBD Vaping

CBD vape pens can provide the fastest onset of effects. In some cases, you may feel the biological effects of CBD inhalation instantly, which may be beneficial to individuals prone to stroke attacks. 

This administration method delivers CBD directly to the porous lungs and into the bloodstream, providing quick relief.

However, vapes may cause lung infection and disease⁽²¹⁾.

A 2019 review also showed that smoking may increase an individual’s overall risk of strokes compared to non-smokers⁽²²⁾. 

CBD Edibles

Oral CBD products include:

• CBD edibles
• CBD tablets
• CBD capsules
• CBD sprays
• CBD supplements

CBD edibles include CBD gummies, CBD brownies, and CBD cookies.

Cannabidiol products ingested orally involve the “first-pass” effect, producing the lowest absorption rate. The product goes through the liver before entering the bloodstream.

CBD Tinctures

The sublingual method is one of the most common ways to take cannabidiol. CBD is absorbed through membranes under the tongue and cheeks.

CBD Topicals

Products like CBD lotions, CBD creams, CBD balms, and CBD salves may provide more localized and targeted relief for individuals including stroke patients.

CBD Transdermals

These products include gels and patches, allowing CBD to the bloodstream through the skin. CBD transdermals differ from topicals that interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin⁽²³⁾.

CBD Dosage for Stroke

The FDA does not regulate cannabidiol products. Thus, no established standard dosage for CBD products exists.

Doctors frequently consider factors such as the weight and age of individuals to determine the starting dosage of any medication.

Beginning at low dosages is recommended, particularly for people taking cannabidiol for a specific health condition, such as stroke-associated conditions.

Ensure no adverse effects exist before gradually increasing the dosage to achieve your desired results.

In addition, seek your physician’s advice if you are uncertain about adverse reactions you may develop upon using CBD.

How Long CBD Takes to Help With Stroke

The FDA has provided no specific guidelines on the estimated onset times of CBD for stroke victims.

CBD vapes provide CBD products with the fastest onset times through inhalation. CBD vape oil may induce biological effects within two minutes⁽²⁴⁾. However, inhaling vapor or smoke may trigger chemical irritation or allergic reactions⁽²⁵⁾.

CBD tinctures are placed under the tongue using a dropper and may produce therapeutic effects within 15 to 30 minutes following their application⁽²⁶⁾.

CBD edibles often contain flavors to conceal cannabidiol’s “grassy” taste. You may experience the therapeutic effects of CBD edibles within 30 minutes to two hours after they pass through your digestive system⁽²⁷⁾.

CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin’s surface and produce localized effects. You may experience such therapeutic effects within 10 minutes after application⁽²⁸⁾.  

How Long CBD Oil Helps With Stroke

Researchers have conducted no studies on the efficacy duration of CBD products for stroke recovery and prevention.  

However, a 2018 review reported that the half-life of cannabidiol was two to five days after individuals took one daily oral dose⁽²⁹⁾.

Half-life is the duration of time required for a substance’s amount to decrease to half its original value⁽³⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, past human and animal studies suggest that CBD’s bioavailability ranges from 13% to 19%⁽³¹⁾.

Bioavailability is the measure and rate at which the body absorbs an active drug ingredient and becomes available at the location of drug action⁽³²⁾.

Risks and Side Effects of Utilizing CBD for Stroke

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that cannabidiol has a generally safe profile, it would help to consider possible side effects before using any CBD products.

Some of the possible side effects include⁽³³⁾.

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Weight changes
• Reduced appetite

These side-effects are well tolerated in clinical trials. However, drug interactions are other critical factors to consider before taking CBD products as an alternative treatment for stroke⁽³⁴⁾. 

Prescription medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) processed in the liver, may need to be avoided due to CBD’s ability to enhance and reduce the rate of liver absorption of some medicinal treatments⁽³⁵⁾.

Avoiding medications that induce drowsiness is advisable to prevent oversedation⁽³⁶⁾.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Stroke

Numerous unregulated CBD products are on the market. Thus, choosing the best CBD product for stroke recovery or prevention may be challenging. 

Here are some quintessential factors to consider when looking for CBD products for stroke.

Type of CBD Extract

The main types of CBD products are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. These types signify the types of CBD extract used in particular products.

Full-spectrum CBD oil may contain all naturally occurring plant-based phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids contained in hemp plants. 

Terpenes are compounds that provide plants with a unique scent. Flavonoids are compounds that help protect plants and provide their bright colors.

The cannabis-derived cannabinoids include the psychoactive compound THC.

This variety of CBD products is also known as a whole-plant extract. It induces synergistic effects known as the entourage effect, producing positive outcomes from the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes.  

You may opt for broad-spectrum CBD compounds to avoid the euphoric effects associated with THC. Broad-spectrum CBD products may contain all the compounds of full-spectrum products, although they are typically THC-free.

CBD isolates are pure CBD because it only contains CBD molecules.

Source of CBD Extract

The extracts’ source can help ensure high-quality extracts. For example, Oregon, Colorado, and Kentucky comply strictly with a federal hemp pilot program⁽³⁷⁾. 

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) established this program to regulate hemp farming and production in these states.

Learning about local hemp sources for CBD extracts provides information about the farming methods and protocols to cultivate hemp.

Extraction Methods

Information on extraction methods helps assure the safety and purity of CBD products. The CBD industry’s most common extraction method is the CO2 extraction method.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

To further ensure the safety of CBD products, search for an updated certificate of analysis (COA) of the product.

The CBD product’s COA contains the laboratory test results. COAs indicate a CBD product’s cannabinoid, flavonoid, terpenes, and THC content.     

The COA also shows the amount of CBD per serving (potency) and per container (concentration). 

Additionally, the COA reveals the laboratory test for contaminants, pesticides, microbials, and chemical compounds to ensure the product’s safety.  

Some companies use in-house laboratories to test CBD products. However, to avoid subjectiveness, other CBD brands use independent laboratories to test their products.

Ingredients

To prevent triggering allergic reactions and potential adverse effects, always review the ingredients of the CBD product.

You can examine the content or additives in the cannabidiol product. Most CBD products contain carrier oils to complement CBD benefits.    

For example, hemp oil is hemp-extracted oil, and hempseed oil is extracted from hemp seeds. Meanwhile, CBD oil is derived from the stalk, stems, leaves, and flowers of hemp plants. 

Reviewing the product’s ingredients may also inform you of any potential adverse drug interactions.  

Legality of CBD

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived cannabidiol products with 0.3% or less THC are classified as federally legal⁽³⁸⁾.

However, the sole Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabidiol-based drug is Epidiolex. The drug aims to treat rare forms of epilepsy, including Lennox Gastraut syndrome and Dravet’s syndrome⁽³⁹⁾.   

Unregulated CBD products on the market should be used with caution, as some states have specific regulations for such types of products. It is advisable to research state and local laws to avoid legal consequences.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke transpires due to an interruption or reduction in the blood supply to a portion of the brain, thwarting brain tissue’s supply of nutrients and oxygen⁽⁴⁰⁾. Brain cells start to die within minutes.  

Strokes are medical emergencies, and immediate treatment is critical. Taking early action may reduce complications such as brain damage⁽⁴¹⁾. In addition, effective treatments may help prevent stroke-induced disability.  

A hemorrhagic stroke transpires when a blood vessel within the brain ruptures or leaks. An ischemic stroke occurs when the brain’s blood vessels become blocked or narrowed. 

Risk factors of strokes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and plaque build-up, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease⁽⁴²⁾.

Common symptoms of strokes include severe headaches, sudden confusion, weakness on one side of the body, and trouble speaking and walking⁽⁴³⁾.

Rehabilitation for stroke survivors focus on physical and occupational therapy, with an emphasis on improving walking, strength, balance and coordination⁽⁴⁴⁾.