Could CBD help prevent stroke?

A leading cause of disability, stoke affects 795,000 people in the United States annually. About 140,000 die, making it the number five cause of death, according to statistics reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are considered leading causes of stroke with one in three U.S. adults having at least one of these conditions or habits.

Stroke symptoms include:

  • Numbness or weakness in the face, an arm, or a leg, especially on one side

  • Confusion or trouble understanding other people

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes

  • Difficulty walking, maintaining balance, or coordinating motor movements

  • Dizziness

  • Severe headache for no reason

Recent studies have shown, however, that CBD can help alleviate damage to the brain caused by stroke. Increased oxidative stress caused by a stroke, as well as inflammation and excitotoxicity exacerbate the initial damage caused by stroke. CBD administered soon after a stroke has been shown to prevent these three conditions. “The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of CBD enable it to prevent autoimmune attacks on the brain tissues and to prevent the death of brain cells,” states an article in Cannabodial Life.

So, we have information pointing to treatment after stroke. But could CBD prevent a stroke? The answer may be yes, according to studies that indicate that “cannabidiol, a nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent, protects against myocardial ischemic reperfusion injury.” Or in layman’s terms, it protects against stroke.

Furthermore, a study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology indicates that, “prolonged cannabis use improves oxygen and blood flow to the brain, reducing the risk of clots that lead to a stroke.” Obviously, cannabis is not legal in all states, and more research must be done to prove it can prevent strokes. Other studies show inflammation, more than artery-clogging plaque causes stroke. So, there are no definitive answers, but with so much as stake, there is good evidence that should lead us to pursue CBD and cannabis as potential treatment or preventive for stroke.

CBD products are available that may help to mitigate damage to the brain or prevent stroke. They include CBD crystals, edibles, oils and wax. Take the time to learn about these products to find out which might make the most sense for your use.

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