Cannabinoids may be beneficial in treating TBI and multiple sclerosis

Cannabinoids may be beneficial in treating traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis, particularly for patients who “display resistance to conventional treatment.” In their recent literature review, Daniela Calina et al. found that, in animal models, “the use of cannabinoids in TBI increases neurobehavioral function [and] working memory performance.” Additionally, cannabinoid use can improve neurological and motor deficits by down-regulating “inflammatory markers, edema formation, blood-brain barrier permeability, preventing neuronal cell loss, and up-regulation of the levels of adherence junction proteins.”

The review points to the potential therapeutic effects of targeting the brain’s cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R). Its activation was “associated with a decrease of markers related to M1 microglia (which promote an inflammatory response) and an increase in the beneficial M2 state of microglia, promoting neuroprotective effects without psychotropic effects.” The review was not systematic, though its comprehensive summaries of relevant meta-analyses suggest that there is merit to further research into the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.