Research is shedding light on how cannabis can treat the neurodegenerative condition
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a neurodegenerative condition that occurs in people who have had multiple head injuries. Symptoms include behavioral problems, mood disorders, and difficulty thinking. This type of condition is very common in high-contact sports, such as football. With the Super Bowl just around the corner and the NFL on a steady rise, it is important to consider what experts and athletes have to say about the relationship between cannabis and CTE.
CTE, which is triggered by concussions caused by car accidents, falls, violent contact sports, or gunshot or stabbing wounds, affects 1.7 million Americans a year. It is the most frequently identified cause of epilepsy in adults. However, there is still hope, thanks in part to US government-sponsored scientific research and extensive anecdotal evidence from medical marijuana patients and athletes, highlighting the potential of cannabinoid-based therapies for CTE.
Years ago, a study was published on the neuroprotective properties of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These are the two main components of cannabis. This preclinical study was to form the basis of a patent filed by the country on “cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.” It was established that both compounds can be used specifically as neuroprotectants.
Consider limiting neurological damage after ischemic attacks, such as stroke or trauma. These cannabinoids are also thought to be useful in treating other neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. Positive THC levels in the blood are associated with a lower death rate in adult patients with traumatic brain injury, experts say.
As a result, patients who use cannabis are less likely to die and are likely to live longer than those who do not use anything. While pain relief has been the primary focus of medical cannabis research, concussion treatment is rapidly climbing the list of concerns and results are increasingly promising.