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Can CBD Help With Concussion Symptoms

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a very popular topic of conversation. CBD is being studied by medical researchers as an alternative treatment for chronic pain. A common misconception is that its only use is recreational. CBD oil does not intoxicate a person or create a feeling of being “high”. Slowly, this stigma is changing as more people look at its medical use. One of the questions being asked is can CBD oil help with concussion symptoms? Research is in the early stages but there appears to be some benefit. As we hear more about this natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, people are starting to ask, how does it work and can it help me?

How does CBD oil work?

First, we must know how our bodies work to understand how CBD oil can be a benefit. A newly discovered system within our body called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), works with our immune system, nervous system, and our body’s organs. The ECS has receptors that are found all over our body including the

  • Brain
  • Nerves
  • Spinal cord
  • Organs
  • Connective tissues
  • Glands
  • Immune cells

Our body naturally produces endocannabinoids, a molecule like the Cannabis molecule. This system plays a very important role in balancing our body. As with anything in life there needs to be balance or homeostasis. When the ECS is not in homeostasis we experience pain, and illness. Research indicates that CBD helps balance the Endocannabinoid system, which is involved in our body’s process of pain, mood, memory, sleep, stress, metabolism, immune function, and reproductive system.

Will CBD make me “high”?

The active ingredient CBD, extracted from the Hemp Plant, is a cousin to the Marijuana plant. It does not cause a person to experience intoxication. Intoxication comes from THC, a different component of the plant. There is some THC in CBD oil so it will show up in a urine or blood test, but only a trace amount. This is for an important reason. CBD cannot be absorbed and used by the body without THC. Think of it like milk. Vitamin D is added to milk so that the body can absorb the calcium.

What does CBD do in the body?

Research and anecdotal CBD oil users are indicating that it is showing anti-inflammatory benefits as well as antioxidant properties. This is important because when the brain suffers an injury, inflammation occurs, blood flow to those areas is decreased, and brain cells die.

Research

Currently, scientists are looking at CBD use during recovery to see if it assists with the healing process as a neuroprotectant. Other findings indicate that it is effective at managing the most common concussion symptoms such as, pain management for headaches or migraines, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. Other areas where CBD is being studied:

  • Stroke recovery
  • Epilepsy
  • ADHD
  • ASD (Autism)
  • Cancer
  • PTSD

Sports and CBD Research

Medical teams are studying former NFL and NHL players at risk for CTE – a degenerative disease caused by repetitive concussions – to see if there is benefit to athletes at high risk. Initial findings report that players participating in the study are experiencing fewer concussion complication symptoms. They will not know the true effect until the player dies. Unfortunately, there is no test for CTE. The brain can only be examined post-mortem and this is only when a diagnosis can be made.  

The NHL Alumni group is an advocate for CBD oil. They claim that our hockey heroes of yesterday are struggling with depression, anxiety and headaches caused by physical demands on their body during their career. The most common treatment for concussion symptoms are prescribed opioids. The problem with opioids is that they are highly addictive. Some former players asked can CBD help with concussion symptoms and are turning to CBD as an alternative treatment. The anecdotal evidence is encouraging. CTV ran a story referencing neurosurgeon and concussion expert Dr. Charles Tator and his thoughts on how CBD can help manage concussion symptoms

Additional information

An excellent site for information about CBD and brain injury is Concussion Alliance

If you would like more information about medical CBD and the benefits it may have for your recovery the Apollo Cannabis Clinic in Ontario can offer information and advice about using Medical Cannabis to help with concussion symptoms.

More information about Medical Cannabis is available at

We always recommend you always consult your doctor(s) first. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend a trusted and trained consultant. If you are looking for a consultant make sure you check their credentials.

If you are a pro sport athlete and are experiencing post concussion symptoms and would like to join the CFL Concussion Class Action or CHL Class Action Concussion Lawsuit. Please contact Robyn Wishart directly at rlw@wishlaw.ca

Disclaimer:

Wishart Brain and Spine Law, in Vancouver B.C., is not advising you, or anyone you know, to try, or use CBD or THC to treat any medical issue. Always consult your doctors or specialists if you are curious about the benefits of CBD in relation to your condition. If they approve CBD or THC always ask a qualified consultant to help determine what type and the initial dose. This blog is strictly for information purposes only.