The Healing Power of Cannabis: How Can it Impact Brain Injury Recovery?

By Jodi Chapin RN

Each year, approximately 2.5 million individuals in the United States experience Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs), leading to around 50,000 deaths and over 80,000 cases of permanent disability.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of TBI are falls (28%), followed by spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH)—a type of hemorrhagic stroke resulting from sudden bleeding within the brain tissue— which affects approximately 24.6 per 100,000 individuals annually. This translates to roughly 80,000 cases each year in the United States. ICH accounts for about 10% to 20% of all strokes and is associated with a high mortality rate, with approximately 44% of affected individuals dying within one month.

As we acknowledge Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, it's crucial to explore alternative treatments that may offer hope for recovery, such as cannabis.

In November 2011, my life changed in an instant when I suffered a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage while on the telephone. At the time, I was juggling the roles of wife, mother to three children (ages 5 to 16), and charge nurse on a busy labor and delivery unit. Adding to the weight of it all, my best friend—also a mother of two young children—was battling stage 4 lung cancer. Life already felt overwhelming, and this sudden, traumatic event only deepened the uncertainty. I spent a short time in the neuro ICU, unsure of what the future held and questioning whether I would ever return to the career I loved.

Amazingly, I was back at work just 4 ½ weeks later. I am confident that cannabis played a key role in my rapid recovery. Having incorporated its safe use into my life before my injury, I continued using it during my healing process to manage pain, anxiety, and inflammation.

My experience differs greatly from that of my family members. My grandmother tragically passed away just two weeks after suffering a brain bleed, while my uncle, who also endured a brain hemorrhage, was found days later and required full-time care for 17 years before eventually succumbing to complications.

These experiences reinforced my belief in cannabis as a powerful tool for brain injury recovery, providing a pathway to healing that conventional treatments alone may not fully support.

Looking back on both my recovery and my family's struggles, I am certain that cannabis played a pivotal role in my healing process. My loved ones did not have access to this option, and I can’t help but wonder—would their outcomes have been different if they had?

How Cannabis May Support TBI Recovery

Cannabis has shown promise in supporting brain health and recovery through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates critical processes like inflammation and brain function. Here's how cannabis may benefit TBI patients:

1. Reducing Inflammation: TBIs often trigger significant brain inflammation, which can worsen the injury. Cannabinoids, particularly CBD, have anti-inflammatory properties that could help reduce damage to brain tissue after trauma.

2. Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective effects, potentially preventing further damage and promoting the healing of neurons.

3. Managing Pain and Symptoms: Many TBI survivors experience ongoing pain, headaches, and emotional disturbances like anxiety and depression. Cannabis, known for its pain-relieving and calming effects, can be a powerful tool in managing these symptoms during recovery.

4. Improving Sleep and Mood: TBIs frequently disrupt sleep patterns and emotional regulation. Cannabis, particularly strains with a balance of CBD and THC, may help restore more regular sleep cycles and stabilize mood swings, which are common after a brain injury.

   
   

The Need for More Research

Despite the growing body of anecdotal evidence, including my own story, more research is needed to understand the full potential of cannabis in TBI treatment. As cannabis legalization expands, I hope more studies will explore its efficacy in aiding brain recovery and symptom management.

While cannabis is not a cure-all, it was a significant part of my recovery, enabling me to regain my strength, return to my duties as a nurse, and continue living a full life. I share my experience in the hope that other TBI survivors may find similar benefits.

As we recognize Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month, I encourage those who have experienced a TBI or know someone who has to remain open to alternative therapies, like cannabis. Healing is a complex journey, and incorporating natural remedies can provide additional recovery support.

For those walking the path of recovery after a TBI, remember that every healing journey is unique. Whether through cannabis or other holistic approaches, there are ways to regain control of your life and health. I am living proof that recovery is possible, even after the most traumatic of brain injuries.

References:

Cannabis and Neuroprotection:

• A review of the neuroprotective properties of cannabinoids, including their potential to reduce brain inflammation and promote healing after TBIs, can be found in the article: "Cannabinoids as potential neuroprotective agents in traumatic brain injury" published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2018). doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00304.

• The Role of Cannabinoids in Inflammation:

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids have been studied for their anti-inflammatory effects in neurological conditions: "Anti-inflammatory role of cannabidiol and omega-3 PUFAs: A prospective therapeutic strategy in neuroinflammation?" published in Biochimie (2020). doi:10.1016/j.biochi.2020.01.006.

• Traumatic Brain Injury and Cannabinoids:

  • A study looking at the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for TBI, including their role in reducing symptoms and promoting neuroprotection: "The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for traumatic brain injury", published in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2019). doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.00205.

• Cannabis and Pain Management in TBI:

  • "Cannabis and its role in pain management in traumatic brain injury patients", a report in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (2020) discusses the role of cannabis in managing post-TBI pain. doi:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000579.

• The Endocannabinoid System in Traumatic Brain Injury:

  • "Endocannabinoid system involvement in brain pathologies related to traumatic brain injury", a comprehensive look at how the ECS is affected by brain injuries, published in Frontiers in Neuroscience (2018). doi:10.3389/fnins.2018.00185.