Weed for Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption of normal brain function caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury. The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe, with mild traumatic brain injuries commonly known as concussions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in the United States in 2020 – about 586 hospitalizations per day. The CDC also notes that traumatic brain injury is a significant cause of death, with an estimated 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.

Is it possible that using weed for concussions or other head injuries really helps? Traumatic brain injury is notoriously difficult to treat, so a cannabis treatment for concussions and more serious TBIs would be a groundbreaking development.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI is a disruption of normal brain functioning caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury such as a gunshot. It can cause a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional problems ranging from temporary to long-lasting. The severity of a TBI can be mild, such as a brief change in consciousness or mental status, or severe, with effects including an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia following the injury.

The symptoms of TBI can also range from mild to severe. Physical symptoms include headache, nausea or vomiting, drowsiness or fatigue, dizziness or a loss of balance, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light or sound, sleep disturbances, and, in extreme cases, seizures.  Cognitive symptoms might include a loss or change of consciousness, confusion or disorientation, memory problems, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, slowed thinking or information processing, and communication problems, including difficulty understanding or expressing thoughts. Emotional or behavioral symptoms are also common with TBI, including irritation or agitation, depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes. 

Traumatic brain injuries have many causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, firearm-related injuries, and assaults. Sports injuries, including a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth, frequently cause mild to moderate TBI, known as concussions. 

The treatment of a TBI can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Still, in all cases, the CDC recommends a prompt medical evaluation and a treatment plan focusing on immediate and long-term care. For a mild TBI or concussion, rest is often the primary treatment, allowing the brain to heal and reducing the risk of further injury. Patients will also frequently be observed for some time to ensure symptoms are not worsening.

Benefits of Using Weed for Traumatic Brain Injury

In 2003, the U.S. government was granted a patent recognizing the antioxidant and neuroprotective qualities of cannabinoids. The patent suggests potential applications for the discovery, including using cannabinoids to treat conditions like traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.  

Research into the effectiveness of cannabis and cannabinoids in treating traumatic brain injury has shown promising results, and studies on this important topic continue. In a 2023 study, researchers determined that cannabinoids have the potential to help TBI patients. CBD, in particular, may have the most potential for neuroprotective properties.¹

The results of a separate study published in 2024 also suggested that weed may be beneficial for concussions. In the study, researchers investigated the outcomes of TBI patients with a history of recreational cannabis use before their injury. Results further reinforced cannabis’ potential neuroprotective effects. Researchers indicated that full-spectrum products may be the best type of weed for concussions. The entourage effect of all compounds might contribute to CBD’s individual, specific effects.²

Additionally, a 2021 clinical review into treating TBI with cannabis noted that medical cannabis can relieve symptoms related to TBI. These included chronic pain, inflammation, and sleep disturbances, leading to a call for further research, including randomized clinical trials.³

Weed and Traumatic Brain Injury: Are There Any Risks?

TBI patients who are considering using medical cannabis should consider the risks associated with smoking weed with a concussion. A 2024 study observed veterans with TBI and cannabis use disorder (CUD) and found that individuals with TBI and CUD may have a higher risk for early-onset cognitive disorders like dementia.⁴

Weed as a Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Research into concussions and weed continues, and no studies have conclusively found that cannabis can replace current treatments for TBI. Researchers have found, however, that some TBI patients use cannabis for the relief of some symptoms. 

In short, cannabis may be beneficial alongside other current treatments for some TBI patients. For more individualized information, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.

Tips for Using Weed for Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI patients interested in using medical cannabis should consult with their doctor before using it for concussion symptoms. Each person responds to cannabis differently, so care should be taken when determining the proper dose. Experts suggest patients start low and go slow, beginning with a low dose of 2.5mg to 5mg of THC and waiting to assess its effects before possibly taking more. 

Additional doses of 2.5mg to 5mg may be taken, although patients should proceed slowly and cautiously.  For an inhalable product, patients might consider 1 inhale, then waiting 15 minutes. Then, increase by an additional inhale every 15 to 30 minutes until achieving the desired level of symptom control.⁵

Some patients who use weed for concussions can avoid the risks associated with smoking by using cannabis edibles instead. Homemade weed edibles give patients the option to tailor recipes to their liking. An online dosing calculator can help home cooks better control their potency. 

Ask a Budtender: Which Weed Products are Best For Traumatic Brain Injury?

TBI patients who use cannabis report symptom relief with a variety of products, including cannabis flower, vapes, and edibles. For quick results, inhalation provides the fastest onset of effects. Those who wish to avoid smoking or vaping have other options, including edibles and tinctures. When shopping for cannabis products, always ask the retailer for a certificate of analysis (COA) that verifies the product was tested by an independent lab for purity and potency.

A standard dose for treating TBI with medical cannabis has not been established. Patients who wish to treat TBI or concussion with cannabis products should always start low and go slow.

References

1. Lins BR, Anyaegbu CC, Hellewell SC, et al. Cannabinoids in traumatic brain injury and related neuropathologies: preclinical and clinical research on endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic compounds. J Neuroinflammation. 2023;20(1):77. Published 2023 Mar 19. doi:10.1186/s12974-023-02734-9
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2. Szaflarski J, Szaflarski M. Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes After Recreational Cannabis Use. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2024;Volume 20:809-821. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s453616
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3. Hergert DC, Robertson-Benta C, Sicard V, et al. Use of Medical Cannabis to Treat Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma. 2021;38(14):1904-1917. doi:10.1089/neu.2020.7148
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4. Esmaeili A, Dismuke-Greer C, Pogoda TK, et al. Cannabis use disorder contributes to cognitive dysfunction in Veterans with traumatic brain injury. Frontiers in Neurology. 2024;15. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2024.1261249
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5. MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Practical considerations in medical cannabis administration and dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2018;49(49):12-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
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The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.