Concussions are brain injuries resulting from a jolt or blow to the head, which temporarily disrupts normal brain function. As cannabis products, including edibles, become more widely accessible, questions arise about their use during concussion recovery. This article explores the interaction between edibles and concussions, addressing whether combining them is advisable.
What Concussions Do to the Brain
A concussion occurs when the brain moves or twists inside the skull. This movement can stretch and damage brain tissue, disrupting neural connections. The injury triggers changes that interfere with normal brain activities.
The brain experiences a temporary disruption of metabolic processes and an energy imbalance. Neurons become dysfunctional, reducing the brain’s energy supply while increasing its demand for healing. Inflammatory processes can also begin. These changes make the brain vulnerable during recovery.
How Edibles Affect the Body
Edibles deliver cannabinoids, primarily THC and CBD, into the body via the digestive system. After ingestion, these compounds are absorbed and processed by the liver. The liver converts THC into a more potent metabolite, 11-hydroxy-THC, which contributes to edibles’ distinct effects.
The digestion and metabolism process leads to a delayed onset of effects, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and a prolonged duration, which can last from 4 to 12 hours. THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, influencing perception, mood, and cognitive functions. CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid, is recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory properties, but its direct role in brain injury recovery is still being researched.
Risks of Combining Edibles and Concussions
Combining edibles with a concussion presents risks that can complicate recovery. Edibles may alleviate symptoms like pain, inadvertently masking the brain injury’s severity. This masking effect might lead individuals to misjudge recovery or engage in activities that could worsen their condition.
Both a concussion and the psychoactive components in edibles can impair cognitive functions, including memory, concentration, and reaction time. When combined, these impairments can be significantly exacerbated, affecting daily functioning, decision-making abilities, and overall mental clarity. This compounded cognitive deficit may hinder the brain’s natural healing process.
Altered brain chemistry from edible consumption might interfere with the delicate balance needed for brain restoration. The brain requires significant rest to recover metabolic equilibrium, and external substances could disrupt this process. Impaired judgment, from both a concussion and edible use, may lead to unsafe behaviors during recovery. Edible effects also vary greatly by dosage and individual tolerance, making outcomes unpredictable.
Professional Advice and Safer Options
Seeking medical advice from healthcare professionals is important for managing a concussion. There is a lack of robust scientific research on cannabis use for concussions, leading most medical bodies to advise caution or avoidance. Experts highlight that potential risks of combining these substances currently outweigh any unproven benefits.
Medically approved strategies for managing concussion symptoms focus on supporting the brain’s natural healing. This includes physical and cognitive rest, limiting activities requiring significant mental or physical exertion. Gradually returning to daily activities and avoiding triggers like bright lights or loud noises are also important. For pain, providers may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Proper hydration and balanced nutrition also support recovery.