Does Cannabis Have Neuroprotective Properties?

Imagine if a simple plant could act as a shield for your brain, protecting it from damage and keeping it healthy. Cannabis, often known for its recreational buzz, is being studied for its remarkable components—THC, CBD, and terpenes—that might just do the trick. This exciting possibility is called neuroprotection. 

In this article, we’ll explore how cannabis could be a guardian for your brain, diving into the science and latest research behind these potential benefits that are well-documented in preclinical studies.

What is Neuroprotection?

Neuroprotection is a term that means protecting nerve cells from damage and degeneration. This is crucial because our nerve cells, or neurons, play a vital role in everything we do, from thinking and feeling to moving and breathing. When these cells are damaged, it can lead to chronic neuropathy or even serious neurological disorders. Neuroprotection aims to prevent or slow down this damage, which can help prevent and treat these disorders.

The importance of neuroprotection becomes clear when we look at diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis. To date in 2024, lab bench and animal research overall give a plethora of supportive preclinical evidence for cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids as neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory agents in a variety of relevant disease models. 

In the latest statistics regarding these illnesses, we find the following: 

Alzheimer’s Disease

In Alzheimer’s disease, neurons in the brain deteriorate due to certain accumulating proteins, leading to memory loss and cognitive decline. In truly sobering and dismal statistics, an annual report published by the Alzheimer’s Association showed that in 2024, 6.9 million individuals aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s disease. This figure is projected to almost double by 2050, with an estimated 12.7 million people over age 65 expected to be affected by Alzheimer’s. 

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease involves the breakdown of neurons that produce dopamine, causing movement problems and tremors. And as expected, the latest statistics surrounding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease are equally concerning. 

For example, recent 2022 research supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation found that almost 90,000 adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year. This marks a significant 50% rise from the earlier projection of 60,000 annual diagnoses. The biggest risk factor is age, but there is also a strong geographical correlation along the “Rust Belt” where industrial manufacturing is more common.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves, leading to communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. According to research statistics published by StatPearls, about 400,000 individuals in the United States have MS, and globally, over 2.5 million people are estimated to live with the condition. 

Most MS diagnoses occur between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can be diagnosed at any age. Interestingly, biological women tend to be more frequently affected by MS than men.

In all these cases, there is evidence to suggest that neuroprotection and immunity modifications could slow down the progression of the disease, improve symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for those affected.

Research on Cannabis and Neuroprotection

Research on cannabis and its neuroprotective properties is well-documented and growing in strength. A 2022 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology notes how neurological diseases, although stemming from a complex etiology, generally are the result of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. 

Interestingly, current 2024 data shows that THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC are able to target the central nervous system on a molecular level. As a result, they have become the prototype for the development of neuroprotective drugs due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.

In terms of CBD’s use for Alzheimer’s disease, researchers published in the Journal of Pharmacopunctre that the CBD components in cannabis might be effective in treating and preventing Alzheimer’s dementia by targeting and suppressing its main causes. Additionally, it’s suggested that combining CBD and THC could be more beneficial than using either one alone. Cannabinoids and terpenes like linalool also have neuroprotective and calming effects that may help agitation, anxiety, depression, and other distressing Alzheimer’s psychiatric symptoms.

So, what we see here is that many studies allude to the same findings, providing scientific evidence that cannabis can reduce neuroinflammation, decrease oxidative stress, and promote the repair of nerve cells. Thus, it’s reasonable to deduce that cannabinoids can potentially help protect the brain and improve outcomes for people with various neurological conditions. While more research is needed, the potential for cannabis to act as a neuroprotective agent is an exciting area of study.

Can Cannabis Help Generate New Neurons? 

Cannabis also helps with neurogenesis, which is the growth and repair of brain cells. For example, in a 2021 review published by the peer-reviewed journal Molecules, the widespread idea that neurons are irreplaceable has been largely debunked and thus changed with new evidence. The latest science shows that neurogenesis actually does occur, even in the adult brain. This discovery brings hope that certain compounds or drugs can enhance this process, potentially reversing the effects of diseases or injuries previously thought to be permanent. 

As such, cannabinoids, whether natural or synthetic, have demonstrated the ability to increase the number of neurons by replacing lost cells or regenerating damaged ones. While neurogenesis is not as widely discussed in the literature as neuroprotection, it is theoretically equally important. It offers a possible solution for conditions involving neuronal death, such as the neurodegenerative diseases mentioned above.

Future Directions in Research

Studies into the neuroprotective properties of cannabis are still in the early stages, and there are many gaps in our current understanding of the usefulness of cannabis in these conditions. Therefore, ongoing studies are crucial to understanding exactly how cannabis can protect the brain and which components are most effective. 

Research on how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance neuroprotection and neurogenesis is a promising area for the future. Additionally, finding the best way to use cannabis for specific neurological conditions in humans is another important research focus.

It’s important to keep in mind that everything doesn’t work the same for everyone. Therefore, it’s best to pursue this path with realistic expectations if you or a loved one are facing a neurodegenerative disorder. Personalized medicine, which tailors treatments to an individual’s unique genetic makeup and health needs, could play a significant role in cannabis-based neuroprotection. This approach might help determine the most effective cannabis strains and dosages for each person.

Ultimately, the current research into cannabis for neuroprotection shows great potential for protecting the brain and treating neurological disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm and expand these findings. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest research and consult healthcare professionals before attempting to add cannabis to their neuroprotection regimen.

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.