Compare the Best CBD Oil for Memory Loss in 2022

How CBD May Help With Memory Loss

Potential causes of temporary memory loss include vitamin B-12 deficiency, emotional disorders, minor head injury or trauma, hypothyroidism, and brain diseases, including those producing symptoms of dementia⁽¹⁾. 

CBD’s potential benefits for reducing memory loss may be linked to its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate mood, appetite, metabolism, pain perception, and sleep. 

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). 

CB1 receptors primarily exist in the brain, central nervous system (CNS), kidneys, liver, and lungs⁽²⁾. These receptors help maintain physical and cognitive functions, including memory processing, mood, appetite, pain sensation, and sleep.   

CB2 receptors are contained in the immune system’s cells. These cannabinoid receptors induce an anti-inflammatory response, managing tissue damage, including brain tissues, and reducing pain. 

A 2021 review examined neuroimaging studies that assessed the acute impact of cannabidiol on human brain function⁽³⁾. Improved cognitive function may help prevent memory loss⁽⁴⁾.  

The studies indicated that CBD may induce significant alterations in brain connectivity and activity patterns during the resting state.

CBD also reportedly improved the performance of cognitive tasks in volunteers⁽⁵⁾. The researchers believe that the cannabinoid enhanced brain activity in the verbal memory task.

Meanwhile, research suggests alcohol abuse may be associated with memory blackouts⁽⁶⁾.  

A 2019 review suggested that brain circuits involved in memory associations in maintaining addiction may be significantly modulated by the endocannabinoid system⁽⁷⁾. 

Additional research is warranted on CBD’s potential therapeutic effects on substance use disorder (SUD)-induced memory loss. Researchers suggested these findings presented potential pharmaceutical options for treating SUDs. 

The CB1s are widespread protein-coupled receptors in the CNS, guiding a wide range of functions, including memory⁽⁸⁾. 

Endocannabinoids function as neuromodulators that bind to the presynaptic CB1s. Presynaptic nerve cells release a transmitter substance into a synapse. A synapse is the site of the transmission of electric nerve impulses.

A review published in Molecular Biology reported that past research indicated the influence of CB1 receptor ligands on memory processes⁽⁹⁾. Ligands are molecules or atoms that bind to a receiving protein molecule.

Additional research is warranted on CBD’s potential therapeutic effects in memory loss patients through interaction with the CB receptors.    

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Memory Loss

While limited medical research has been conducted on the benefits of CBD for memory loss, CBD may potentially help relieve or reduce symptoms of memory loss-related conditions.  

Research suggests that cannabidiol may impact memory-affecting conditions, including head injury⁽¹⁰⁾, anxiety⁽¹¹⁾, Alzheimer’s disease (AD)⁽¹²⁾, and Huntington’s disease⁽¹³⁾.    

Thus, cannabidiol’s health benefits may include helping relieve or prevent memory loss in such conditions, making it a potentially good option. 

Traumatic brain injury typically results from a jolt or blow to the head, inducing cognitive function effects, including memory or concentration difficulties⁽¹⁴⁾. 

A review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology examined the potential use of endocannabinoids, including CBD and THC, to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI)⁽¹⁵⁾.  

The researchers noted that no studies had examined the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD following TBI. However, CBD purportedly provided therapeutic benefits following cryogenic spinal cord injury and in a mouse model of tauopathy⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Tauopathy is included in a class of neurodegenerative diseases. It is closely associated with neuronal loss and the severity of cognitive deficits in AD patients⁽¹⁷⁾.

Further research is necessitated to determine if CBD may help reduce memory loss in TBI patients.  

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound attained from cannabis plants, which may contain neuroprotective⁽¹⁸⁾, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁹⁾. 

Oxidative stress caused by an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants causes oxidation. 

A review published in CNS and Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets hypothesized that CBD may induce anti-depressant and anxiety-relieving therapeutic effects⁽²⁰⁾.

Research suggests that CBD may help manage depression, substance abuse and dependence, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Parkinson’s disease⁽²¹⁾. 

A recent medical study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology examined CBD’s potential regulation of emotional memory processing⁽²²⁾. 

Emotional disorders, including anxiety and depression, may induce symptoms that disrupt daily activities, including forgetfulness⁽²³⁾. 

The study suggested that CBD may disrupt fear memory reconsolidation. Additional research is needed to determine whether cannabidiol inhibits anxiety-induced memory loss.  

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause persistent and worsening memory loss⁽²⁴⁾. 

A medical study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease investigated the effects of CBD in preventing social recognition memory deficit in mice subjects⁽²⁵⁾. The mice received a daily dose of oral CBD (20 mg/kg) for eight months. 

AD is characterized by plaques consisting of abnormal amyloid proteins and tau proteins involved in neurons’ support and transport system⁽²⁶⁾.  

CBD purportedly prevented social recognition memory deficit in AD mice⁽²⁷⁾.  

Future clinical trials are needed on CBD’s effects on AD-related memory loss in human Alzheimer’s patients.  

CBD oil for dementia may potentially help relieve other forms of dementia affecting individuals or their loved ones, including:

Late-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD): Symptoms include fluid buildup and fidgeting-like movements known as dyskinesias⁽²⁸⁾.  

Vascular dementia: Results in brain damage are due to impaired blood flow to the brain⁽²⁹⁾. 

Lewy body dementia: The condition is characterized by abnormal protein deposits known as Lewy bodies⁽³⁰⁾. 

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): FTD results from the loss of brain cells in the part of the brain containing the font and temporal lobes⁽³¹⁾. 

 How to Safely Use CBD Oil for Memory Loss

Individuals with memory loss should avoid consuming cannabis products with high THC content. Several studies have linked high-THC marijuana use with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders⁽³²⁾. 

A physician or other healthcare practitioner can help guide you on the proper usage of CBD products. 

You can take CBD oil products for memory loss in numerous forms, including the following options: 

Tinctures

You may use a dropper to apply CBD oil tinctures sublingually for faster absorption into the bloodstream.

Hold the CBD drops underneath the tongue for at least one minute before swallowing. 

Capsules and Tablets

CBD capsules and CBD tablets must pass through the digestive tract. Thus, they may take longer before inducing significant effects than other options, like CBD oil.  

Edibles

CBD edibles help avoid the “earthy” taste of CBD hemp extract. Options include CBD gummies, CBD chocolate bars, and CBD cookies.

Vapes

CBD vape oils and CBD vape pens may provide instant effects as the vapors enter an individual’s bloodstream through the lungs rather than the digestive system.

However, research indicates that vaping may be associated with lung conditions, including lipoid pneumonia⁽³³⁾. Lipoid pneumonia develops when fatty acids enter the lungs.

CBD Dosage to Help With Memory Loss

No CBD dose has been recommended by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for memory loss. 

Epidiolex, an epilepsy medicine, is the only FDA-approved CBD product⁽³⁴⁾. 

The best dosage administration is to start taking cannabidiol at small doses and gradually increase the dosage until you achieve the intended therapeutic results.  

Research suggests that CBD dosage of up to 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day is well tolerated in human subjects⁽³⁵⁾. 

Still, seeking assistance from a healthcare provider with experience in medical marijuana or CBD use is advisable to determine the proper CBD dosage. 

How Long CBD Takes to Help With Memory Loss

Researchers have conducted no studies on the onset time to experience the biological effects of CBD for memory loss.   

After swallowing CBD tinctures, you may experience biological effects within 15 to 30 minutes after application⁽³⁶⁾.  

You may experience the therapeutic effects of CBD edibles within 30 minutes to two hours following consumption⁽³⁷⁾. 

CBD vape oil may induce biological effects within two minutes⁽³⁸⁾. However, inhaling smoke or vapor may cause chemical irritation and allergic reactions⁽³⁹⁾. 

How Long CBD Helps With Memory Loss

Researchers have conducted no studies on the efficacy duration of CBD products for memory loss. 

A 2018 review reported that the half-life of cannabidiol was two to five days after individuals took a daily oral dose⁽⁴⁰⁾.  

Half-life is the period required for the amount of a substance to decrease to half of its original value⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Meanwhile, human and animal studies suggested that the bioavailability of cannabidiol is between 13% and 19%⁽⁴²⁾. 

Bioavailability is the magnitude and rate at which an active drug ingredient is absorbed and becomes available at the location of drug action⁽⁴³⁾. 

Safety, Risks, and Side Effects of Using CBD to Help With Memory Loss 

Cannabidiol has a favorable safety profile and is generally well tolerated, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)⁽⁴⁴⁾.  

However, the compound may interact with particular medications, such as blood thinners⁽⁴⁵⁾.  

A recent study showed that CBD may improve individuals’ performance in memory tasks⁽⁴⁶⁾. However, it may induce particular side effects, including⁽⁴⁷⁾: 

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness 
• Dry mouth
• Changes in weight 
• Reduced appetite
• Diarrhea

Seeking advice from medical professionals before using CBD is crucial to help prevent the potential side effects and drug interactions with CBD.  

How to Select the Right CBD to Help With Memory Loss

CBD for memory loss is available in several forms, including CBD oils, CBD tinctures, CBD capsules, CBD tablets, CBD edibles, CBD topicals, and CBD vapes. 

These tips may help select the best CBD oil: 

1. Seek professional assistance before utilizing CBD for memory loss.   
2. Find CBD brands accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). These brands generally offer favorable customer service. 
3. Review a CBD company’s disclaimers and research on unfounded health claims. 
4. Select organic CBD products free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and additives like artificial flavors.  
5. Choose cannabidiol brands producing CBD products from local sources, such as hemp from cannabis plants cultivated in Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky. 
6. Consider carrier oils like medium-chain triglycerides oil (MCT oil) and hempseed oil to dilute essential oils. 
7. Investigate the type of extraction process utilized, such as CO2 extraction. This process uses carbon dioxide to “pull” naturally occurring compounds from hemp plant materials.  
8. Select CBD products that publish third-party lab results and always look for a certificate of analysis (COA). 

Individuals can often access COAs on a CBD brand’s website. The CBD products should be free of harmful contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. 

1. Search for high-quality products that show consistency and accuracy when you compare the CBD product label claims with the COA.
2. Learn about the three primary types of CBD products. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil (also called full-spectrum hemp oil) contains all phytocannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids in cannabis plants. Terpenes are aromatic compounds, and flavonoids are plant metabolites. 

Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains a wide range of cannabis-derived phytocompounds, although the hemp oil is typically THC-free. Meanwhile, CBD isolates contain pure CBD.  

Legality of CBD

On the United States federal level, hemp-derived cannabidiol products with 0.3% or less THC concentration are not classified as controlled substances⁽⁴⁸⁾.  

The mind-altering THC produces a euphoric feeling. High-THC marijuana is a Schedule I controlled drug because of its high risk for abuse due to THC’s psychoactive effects⁽⁴⁹⁾. 

The FDA prohibits the legal sale of products containing cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol as dietary supplements⁽⁵⁰⁾. 

Purchasing CBD oil products in areas legally offering medical marijuana and learning state laws is advisable.