When we search for the reason we can’t concentrate on the things most important to us, there are many culprits. Whether you are dealing with a number of unavoidable distractions/tasks or even a full-on disorder, your ability to focus can greatly impact your quality of life. Luckily with the information research has given us, CBD is helping people across the globe focus.
Despite its association with cannabis, medical research on CBD is quickly expanding— and we can understand why. Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of more than 60 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that’s safe, natural, and non-psychoactive (meaning it won’t cause the high normally associated with its sister compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC). The extraordinary cannabinoid possesses a wide range of health benefits—many of which are related to cognitive performance. That said, can CBD maximize your brainpower?
CBD interacts with our body’s natural Endocannabinoid System (ECS)—an important biological system that regulates the entire body—which may make it a reliable nootropic for boosting mental performance and mitigating the negative effects of cognitive issues. Below are a few possible ways the cannabinoid can help achieve better focus and concentration.
Mental Focus
Less anxiety equates to more focus. By allowing more serotonin to flow in your brain, similarly to the way selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work, CBD can reduce anxiety, and thus, help improve your focus. The cannabinoid may also able help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Sleep and Stress
Sleep can greatly affect the way that your brain recuperates and revives itself. Although CBD is not a sleep aid per se, CBD can help you achieve a restful sleep by expanding the REM state. As for stress, CBD is able to mitigate the negative effects of increased cortisol levels amid times of sleep hardship by influencing brain systems involved in stress regulation and response.
Anxiety and Depression
These may be the two most popular reasons people use CBD—from mild anxiety to panic attacks and other mental disorders. Alongside anxiety, studies suggest that CBD may be an ideal choice for helping with depression and others.
Neuroprotection
CBD’s ability to provide the brain neuroprotection is a less-discussed nootropic benefit. Studies found that properties in CBD not only combatted cognitive function decline, but also neurodegeneration and related conditions through antioxidant activity.
Dosing with CBD
CBD nootropic dosage can be a little tricky and depends on many variables. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommend that you start out with very low doses and increase until you find your “sweet spot”. Please consult your doctor before supplementing CBD into your routine.
Image Credit: Analytical Cannabis
