Can CBD Make You Smarter?

There are three types of CBD: full-spectrum, isolate-based, and broad-spectrum CBD. CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system. It can also work on the brain by interacting with the receptors such as vanilloid and serotonin.

CBD has become a great topic in the market. It has been on the rise for some time. Most people use CBD due to its benefits to the human body. Some benefits may be backed up, while others remain misconceptions until some studies are brought to back up the claims. Some of the benefits it has been acclaimed for include making an individual smart. CBD is known to have the ability to interact with the serotonin receptors that assist in different functions of the brain. This article talks about the possibility of the CBD compound making one smart, and if it has the ability at all.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the active and natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. It does not have the presence of the psychoactive compound THC, hence cannot make an individual high. Moreover, CBD is known to be a psychotropic compound.

Types of CBD

CBD exists in three different types. They are;

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD has almost all the compounds found in the cannabis plant. The only compound that is missing in the broad-spectrum CBD is THC. However, there are instances in which they can be found in small traces. The small amounts cannot have any effects on the body. Broad-spectrum is at times confused to be similar to the full-spectrum CBD. The only difference is that it does not have the THC compound.  

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is also known as whole-plant cannabis. This is because it has almost all the compounds found in the cannabis plant, including the THC component. the amount of THC present in full-spectrum CBD is not that great to bring about the high effect. THC is only found to have a percentage of 0.3 in the full-spectrum CBD. Some of the compounds found in the full-spectrum CBD include; terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. However, when one consumes full-spectrum CBD in high amounts, it can bring about a high effect on an individual.  

Isolate-based CBD

Isolate-based CBD is also known as pure CBD. It goes through several processes to make sure that the other compounds are completely removed from it. This leaves it with only the presence of CBD compound. CBD is the least active type of CBD compared to the full-spectrum and Broad spectrum since it does not have any other compound.     

CBD and the Endocannabinoid System

The body has the presence of the endocannabinoid system that is centrally placed. This system is responsible for the regulation of the different functions of the body. The endocannabinoid system has different receptors found in every part of the body. These receptors are the ones that interact with the CBD so that its effects can be felt. Some of the body functions that the endocannabinoid system may regulate include;

• Moods, stress, anxiety, and fear
• Pain
• Sleep
• Immune system
• Learning and memory
• Inflammation

Martínez-Pinilla et al. (2017) stated that CBD does not interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The body is known to produce its cannabinoids. The most common one is anandamide. CBD may interact with the cannabinoid receptors. However, it is not that strong in the endocannabinoids system, CB2, and the CB1 receptors. It may impact the endocannabinoid system by minimizing the anandamide’s breakdown.    

CBD and the Brain; Does It Make an Individual Smart?

CBD is known to have the ability to react with the brain. It may assist in improving concentration, focus, mood, attention span, and even minimizing anxiety. However, it does not have the ability or properties to make an individual high. This is only a misconception that surrounds the use of CBD. However, CBD cannot boost the smartness that one was born with. Learn more about how do i choose a cbd?

How Does CBD Work In the Brain?

CBD has been linked to interacting with the endocannabinoid system. The cannabinoid receptors are a pathway through the effects of CBD. Even though it has been stated above that it does not bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, it may act on the independent receptors. Some independent receptors that the CBD may interact with and bind to are listed below. This will make an individual understand whether CBD can make one smart.

Serotonin

The serotonin system has the presence of the receptors known as serotonin 1A. this receptor is responsible for releasing the oxytocin hormones. These hormones are responsible for metabolism and stress relief. It also plays a major role in treating depression, nausea, and anxiety.     

Vanilloid

Muller & Reggio (2020) stated that CBD binds to the vanilloid receptors to assist in giving out the therapeutic effect. They play different bodily roles, such as thermoregulation and pain perception. They also help in inflammation cases. Learn more about how do i take cbd?

Ways CBD Can Assist In Making a Person Smart

• According to Phiri et al. (2014), Consuming CBD can assist individuals who find it hard to concentrate. CBD is known to have the properties of preventing one from being distracted and being able to focus on one thing. This means one may be able to focus on a particular activity and get it done.
• Cyr et al. (2018) reported that when an individual uses CBD, the sensory perception may be increased. This means that one may be able to bring out their creative side to the task. CBD may also assist in bringing out different perspectives, especially regarding emotional situations and events.
• When one consumes the full-spectrum CBD in high amounts, the presence of THC may affect the brain. This can be seen through its psychoactive properties. However, CBD can improve the psychological function of the brain as well as improve the cells.  

Conclusion

As seen in the article, some studies still need to be done to back the claims that CBD can make one smart. CBD can react on the brain, but the benefits do not make one smart. It can, however, make one able to improve their concentration, increase sensory perception and also improve the brain cells. For this to be possible, the CBD needs to interact with the endocannabinoid system to feel its effects.      

References

Cyr, C., Arboleda, M. F., Aggarwal, S. K., Balneaves, L. G., Daeninck, P., Néron, A., ... & Vigano, A. (2018). Cannabis in palliative care: current challenges and practical recommendations. Ann Palliat Med, 7(4), 463-477.

Martínez-Pinilla, E., Varani, K., Reyes-Resina, I., Angelats, E., Vincenzi, F., Ferreiro-Vera, C., ... & Franco, R. (2017). Binding and signaling studies disclose a potential allosteric site for cannabidiol in cannabinoid CB2 receptors. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 744.

Muller, C., & Reggio, P. H. (2020). An analysis of the putative CBD binding site in the ionotropic cannabinoid receptors. Frontiers in cellular neuroscience, 14, 615811.    

Phiri, L. P., Draper, C. E., Lambert, E. V., & Kolbe-Alexander, T. L. (2014). Nurses’ lifestyle behaviours, health priorities and barriers to living a healthy lifestyle: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC nursing, 13(1), 1-11.