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The discussion surrounding the potential roles of CBD and cannabis in mental health can indeed be quite complex. While some research has identified a possible link between chronic cannabis use and psychosis, CBD offers a distinct approach and effect on mental well-being. It’s important to note that the cannabis industry encompasses various compounds, including psychotropic cannabinoids like THC and non-psychotropic cannabinoids like CBD. Despite being different facets of the same plant, they interact with the body in distinct ways, likely due to their interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

This article aims to explore the potential roles of CBD in promoting mental clarity and providing hope, particularly for individuals such as athletes who require heightened focus and peak performance without experiencing adverse effects that may impair their abilities.

How CBD Improves Mental Clarity

While several researchers discovered how chronic cannabis use may lead to alterations in brain structures, CBD seems to provide a completely different effect. Some of the possible roles of CBD in mental clarity are discussed below;

1- The Entourage Effect

CBD is a major player in the entourage effect as it is actively involved in decreasing the psychotropic effects of THC such as anxiety and memory problems. The entourage effect of CBD helps it to cancel out the negative effect of THC and other possible challenges that may be linked to chronic cannabis use. A research paper published in 2020 also reported how CBD could reduce visual hallucinations induced by nabilone. Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid that is chemically similar to THC. It is primarily used as a pharmaceutical drug to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy that has not responded to conventional antiemetic treatments.

2- Increase Anandamide Levels in the Brain

Anandamide plays a modulatory role on the brain reward system. It is actively involved in regulating mood, motivation and reinforcement pathways. CBD increases the levels of anandamide by inhibiting the activities of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). FAAH is responsible for breaking down anandamide in the body. When CBD inhibits FAAH, it prevents the breakdown of anandamide, leading to increased levels of anandamide in the body. Research shows an increased level of anandamide may be useful in pain relief, mood regulation, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects and appetite regulation.

3- Modifying Cerebral Blood Flow

The possible roles of CBD in modifying cerebral blood flow to the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus and cingulate cortex have been reported by some researchers. This led to a reduction in anxiety-related behaviours in laboratory animals.

Another group of researchers discovered that CBD can act directly on the cerebral vasculature and inhibit the expression of nitric oxide synthase and transport of calcium across membranes thus leading to vasodilatation.

4- Stimulating Synaptic Plasticity

Numerous studies indicate that CBD’s ability to enhance synaptic plasticity could be beneficial for stimulating synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity is crucial for learning and memory and also holds an important benefit for individuals battling depression. By promoting the formation of new connections between neurons and strengthening existing ones, CBD may help alleviate symptoms of depression. Furthermore, CBD’s potential to stimulate neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, offers additional therapeutic benefits.

5- Anti-Seizure Effects

CBD’s role in managing seizures is widely recognized and extensively studied. Numerous clinical trials, anecdotal reports, and observational studies have demonstrated CBD’s remarkable anticonvulsant properties. Its ability to modulate neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release has been pivotal in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in various forms of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Moreover, CBD’s favorable safety profile, with minimal adverse effects compared to traditional antiepileptic drugs, has solidified its status as a well-tolerated and reliable treatment option for individuals with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

In conclusion CBD holds great promise for athletes seeking to maintain focus during games, free from anxiety, depression, distractions, and other mental challenges. Although much of the research has been conducted on laboratory animals, the success observed in animal models can provide valuable insights for designing appropriate research procedures in humans.

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