Stroke / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Now, there are several studies out there that show that cannabis use may increase the likelihood of getting stroke. Now, while this warrants further study, it must also be stated that cannabinoid-based medicines may help prevent stroke and other TBIs caused by sports-related concussions, traffic accidents, military injuries and more.

TBIs can cut off the blood supply to parts of your brain either via cutting off of the blood supply (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding (hemorrhagic). This causes brain cells to become damaged and eventually die. Signs and symptoms of stroke include an inability to feel or move on one side of the body, a loss of vision to one side, problems understanding or speaking and a “spinning” feeling. Severe headaches are also common. TBIs and strokes can often cause long-term, long-lasting and life-changing effects. High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for stroke.

In 2013, there were approximately 2.5 million emergency department visits for some form of TBI, of which 282,000 resulted in hospitalization. 56,000 deaths in 2013 were attributed to some form of TBI. Stroke, which is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the US, approximately 795,000 people in the US suffer a stroke. Of these, 600,000 are first attacks, and the rest recurrent attacks. The chances of stroke doubles each decade after the age of 55, with nearly three-quarters of strokes occurring in those aged 65 or over. In 2006, stroke accounted for 1 in every 13 deaths in the US.

Cannabinoids may help beat – and in some cases even reverse due to cannabis’s unique neurogenetic effects – some of the negative consequences of stroke and other TBIs.