The Facts About Strokes

Strokes are the fifth largest killer in the United States. Every year, at least 800,000 people die from stroke-related causes. A stroke happens when there is a disruption of blood flow to a certain area of the brain. When this flow is disrupted, brain cells that are deprived of glucose and vital oxygen die off. This interruption may result in permanent damage to the brain and in some cases, death.

There are two kinds of strokes—ischemic and hemorrhagic.

About 87 percent of all strokes are ischemic in nature. This occurs due to clotting in the blood vessels of the brain, thus impeding the flow of blood to the brain. One factor that triggers an ischemic stroke includes high blood pressure.

Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and account for 13 percent of all strokes. However, it should be noted that 40 percent of all stroke-related deaths are caused by hemorrhagic strokes. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is a rupture of a blood vessel within the brain. The blood flows into the brain, creating pressure and causing extensive damage to the brain cells. The chances of having a stroke increases with high blood pressure. However, atrial fibrillation may increase the risk of a stroke by five times. Therefore, stroke is not age-dependent, and in fact, at least a quarter of strokes happen in people below the age of 65. Complications may include paralysis, degraded memory, and motor skills.

Cannabinoids Help Repair and Prevent Brain Injury Caused by Strokes

There are ongoing research and studies on the therapeutic effect of cannabinoids on strokes. So far, results are positive. Studies conducted as far back as 1998 suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) has the potential to protect against neurotoxicity brought on by some receptors. Neurotoxicity is a condition that occurs when too many toxins accumulate in the neural tissues all over the body, resulting in an improper function of the brain and nervous system. The symptoms mimic other conditions such as, but not limited to ADD/ADHD, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and recurrent sinus problems, among others. Neurotoxicity occurs in a stroke due to the poor oxygen supply, resulting mainly from the accumulation of metabolites in the blood vessels that supply the brain.

Studies have shown that the receptors mentioned above work through a calcium-dependent mechanism. During an ischemic stroke, there is the release of a large amount of glutamate. These overstimulate the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAr), 2-amino-3-(4-butyl-3-hydroxy-isoxazole-5-yl) propionic acid (AMPA). The result of this is metabolic stress, resulting in the accumulation of calcium within the cells, and this becomes toxic to the body cells.

Studies have shown that neurotoxicity can be reduced by the antagonist of antioxidants to AMPA/kainite receptors. This is where industrial hemp-derived cannabinoids play a role.

Cannabinoids prevent glutamate neurotoxicity by activating the cannabinoid receptors, hence reducing the influx of calcium. CBD, for the most part, does not activate cannabinoid receptors, and as such, does not produce the psychoactive effects that are characteristic of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Therefore, CBD does not activate cannabinoid receptors but still prevents neuronal death due to glutamate toxicity.

Also, there is a link between butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) used in stroke medications and tumor growth. CBD, however, is safe and produces no major adverse side effects. Not only is it non-intoxicating, it is often a viable alternative to the cascade of side effects often brought on by traditional medications.

More About Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids

Hemp-derived CBD is different than marijuana. Both hemp and marijuana are cannabis plants, but industrial hemp contains only .3% or less THC and is NOT intoxicating. A 2017 report by the the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the medical benefits of CBD and states that it doesn’t have potential for abuse or adverse health effects.

In the 2014 Farm Bill, industrial hemp was defined apart from marijuana and became legal to grow, produce, and market with some limits. The 2018 Farm Bill went further, creating law to ensure that people could not be prosecuted for selling or possessing hemp-derived CBD.

CBD is a cannabinoid that has promising potential for the treatment of stroke due to its neutral effect on cannabinoid receptors.

The Hemp Haus Commitment to Cannabinoid Awareness

The Nature’s Breakthrough educational resource is just one of the ways The Hemp Haus practices its sincere commitment to and passion for educating people about CBD and helping them find the right, high-quality productsbased on their needs. The team at The Hemp Haus recommends full spectrum CBD from tested, trusted brands like Ananda Hemp and Puffin Hemp.

If you or a loved one would like to know more about CBD, but are not sure where to start, The Hemp Haus team is always available to help guide you. Feel free to come into the store in Kansas City or contact them by phone or email. It is important to them that you are confident and comfortable with your CBD experience.

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Puffin Hemp Liposomal CBD (350, 700, 1000)

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References

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