Conducted by researchers from Qingdao University, the study highlights the impact of cannabinoids on neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and neurogenesis.
According to the study, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) mediate these functions through several inflammatory pathways, including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase B (Akt), and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). A key focus of the research is microglia, the primary immune cells in the CNS responsible for mediating neuroinflammation. By influencing these pathways, cannabinoids may help regulate immune responses and cellular health in the brain.
The study also presents a table summarizing the role of cannabinoids in various brain diseases, emphasizing their protective effects in neurological conditions. The authors propose that cannabinoids could be useful in preventing and treating disorders related to ferroptosis, lactate metabolism, and mitophagy—three biological processes associated with neurodegeneration.The study concludes:
Medical use of cannabinoids has protective effects in preventing and treating brain diseases; however, excessive and repeated use can be detrimental to the CNS. We propose that cannabinoids hold significant potential for preventing and treating brain diseases, including ferroptosis, lactate metabolism, and mitophagy, providing new insights for further research on cannabinoids.
From what I have been reading over the years, these findings are corroborated by many other researchers. The main takeaway I see is very low dose usage of cannabinoids is beneficial but high doses are not. If cannabis is keeping you away from alcohol or other worse drugs, it would be a good thing. Cannabis does seem to help prevent alcoholism, which is one of the worst addictions. The Buddha strongly advised against the ‘irresponsible use of alcohol’ by laypeople. It’s the fifth precept of the Five Precepts of Buddhism. It is telling that the Buddha did not mention other intoxicants, only alcohol. I say this because too many today interpret the fifth precept as being against all kinds of intoxicants when only alcohol is denoted. Obviously, many other intoxicants are not good either, but I do see plenty of room for judicious use of some psychedelics and/or cannabis for some people sometimes. Both of these drugs were well-known in the Buddha’s day and he would have mentioned them if he had wanted to. ABN
American Buddhist Net 