Is CBD a nootropic? Boosting brain health and performance

Every day, CBD further deepens its roots into the health and science world as its popularity rises and hopeful research becomes increasingly published. We’ve discussed CBD’s versatile health benefits countless times, however, CBD’s promising effects on brain protection and regeneration are capturing the attention of many – and even leading to CBD being seen as a cognition-enhancing nootropic.

What is a Nootropic?

A nootropic is a natural or synthetic supplement that enhances brain performance, cognitive function, and even memory. Also known as “smart drugs,” nootropics may be prescribed to treat a health concern, but many individuals unknowingly take these focus boosters as part of their daily routine. Over-the-counter nootropics include ordinary substances such as caffeine, the amino acid L-theanine found in black and green teas, and even Omega-3 fatty acids to name a few. Many studies have shown that these mental performance enhancers are safe to take in moderation, and can exert effects such as improved cognition, alertness and focus, neuron repair and renewal, etc.

CBD’s Nootropic Effects

As we all know, CBD can aid with various health concerns all throughout the body and mind. However, this cannabinoid’s effect on the brain and central nervous system is what leads many to view CBD as a nootropic. A great deal of literature now shows more promising evidence of CBD aiding anxiety, depression, stress, sleep, and even substance abuse disorders.

A peer-reviewed article published in the journal Neurotherapeutics demonstrates that there is strong evidence supporting CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders, or even to reduce general induced anxiety (Blessing, 2015). They suggest this mechanism be due to CBD’s effects on reducing amygdala activation and changes in medial prefrontal amygdala connectivity which play key roles in fear and anxiety. Other encouraging articles demonstrate the effects CBD could have on those with depression, as well as neuroprotective effects that slow age-related degeneration of brain cells.

More often than not, anxiety, depression, stress, and excess or lack of sleep all act within the same positive feedback loop where the presence of one causes the rest to worsen. CBD may have the ability to maximize the brain’s cognition and focus by reducing the noise caused by all these mental health concerns. In this way, the brain and body are able to cohesively function to carry out everyday tasks more comfortably and productively.

Conclusion

There is still much research and studies to be done before CBD can be accredited for its numerous health and medicinal uses. For now, we appreciate the many ways that our users of CBD have been able to benefit from their regular use, and hope that more individuals are able to incorporate this multifaceted compound into their daily rituals. Whether it be as a nootropic, sleep enhancer, or even just to soothe a tired body and mind after a day longer than most. We look forward to the forthcoming uses of CBD and are eager to learn more every day about what this cannabinoid can do.

Works referenced-
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics: the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1