Cannabidiol and brain function: current knowledge and future perspectives.
Moniek Schouten, Sebastiaan Dalle, Dante Mantini, Katrien Koppo
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1328885 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Cannabidiol (CBD) |
| Topics | Cannabis CBD |
| Keywords | Brain activity Endocannabinoid system Hemp Mental disorder Neurological disease Receptor |
| Key findings | Argues that CBD has shown potential therapeutic effects for epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, neuropathic pain and inflammation, and may reduce symptoms of neurological and psychiatric disorders and influence sleep, motor control, cognition and memory. The authors contend that unregulated CBD products raise ethical concerns about quality, consistency and safety, and call for responsible research and regulation. |
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp. Although currently available CBD products do not meet the safety standards of most food safety authorities to be approved as a dietary supplement or food additive, CBD has been gaining widespread attention in recent years due to its various potential health benefits. While primarily known for its therapeutic effects in managing epileptic seizures, psychosis, anxiety, (neuropathic) pain, and inflammation, CBD's influence on brain function has also piqued the interest of researchers and individuals seeking to enhance cognitive performance. The primary objective of this review is to gather, synthesize, and consolidate scientifically proven evidence on the impact of CBD on brain function and its therapeutic significance in treating neurological and mental disorders. First, basic background information on CBD, including its biomolecular properties and mechanisms of action is presented. Next, evidence for CBD effects in the human brain is provided followed by a discussion on the potential implications of CBD as a neurotherapeutic agent. The potential effectiveness of CBD in reducing chronic pain is considered but also in reducing the symptoms of various brain disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's disease. Additionally, the implications of using CBD to manage psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, anxiety and fear, depression, and substance use disorders are explored. An overview of the beneficial effects of CBD on aspects of human behavior, such as sleep, motor control, cognition and memory, is then provided. As CBD products remain largely unregulated, it is crucial to address the ethical concerns associated with their use, including product quality, consistency, and safety. Therefore, this review discusses the need for responsible research and regulation of CBD to ensure its safety and efficacy as a therapeutic agent for brain disorders or to stimulate behavioral and cognitive abilities of healthy individuals.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on CBD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- Acute cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and their mixture (THC:CBD) exert differential effects on brain activity and blood flow in rats: A translational neuroimaging study. Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2026
- Prefrontal connectivity alterations and oscillatory dynamics in cannabis use disorder. Biological Psychology July 9, 2026
- Effects of cannabidiol in comparison to hormonal therapy on estrogen decline‐induced memory impairments and endocannabinoid system in rats Journal of Neuroendocrinology July 1, 2026
- The use of cannabinoid therapy in treatment-refractory isolated REM sleep behavior disorder: a case report Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine March 25, 2025
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and 8 more in the library