In a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, scientists at University College London (UCL) stated that a single dose of cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive ingredient of the CBD flowers, temporarily increases the blood flow to certain brain regions involved in memory processing.
The finding may explain, according to the researchers, some of the therapeutic effects attributed to cannabidiol in the treatment of people with post-traumatic stress, anxiety and other mental disorders.
The Study of Cannabidiol
In the randomized controlled clinical trial, 600mg of oral CBD or a placebo was administered to a group of 15 healthy young people. Next, the researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see how the drug altered blood oxygen levels in the brains of those participants.
Analysis of the images revealed that a single dose of the substance significantly increased blood flow to the hippocampus, a structure located in the temporal lobes of the brain that regulates emotions, learning and memory.
An increase in blood flow has also been observed in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the orbitofrontal cortex, which is at the front of our head, which is used to process social behavior and decision-making.
In a press released by UCL, the research leader, dr. Michael Bloomfield explained the importance of the finding:
“As far as we know, this is the first study to find that cannabidiol increases blood flow to important regions involved in memory processing, particularly the hippocampus.”
Proving the Pharmaceutical Properties of CBD Flowers
In recent years, cannabidiol’s properties have been touted by many health and wellness evangelists in countless products ranging from food supplements and dog food to face creams and coffee. However, not all of these advertised benefits have been subjected to scientific studies.
However, several studies have shown promising pharmaceutical properties in CBD, which has been used to treat anxiety and alleviate symptoms of epilepsy, depression and chronic pain. There is also evidence that the substance can improve memory.
Can CBD Help You Focus?
With the infinitely increasing demands of everyday life, it’s no surprise that some of us need a little help when it comes to concentration. Whether you believe you can reach it with a coffee or snack at the right time, or simply taking a quick jog before diving deep into a task, everyone seems to have a solution to getting their focus back on track.
With the popularity of CBD flowers reaching historic highs, many are questioning whether the consumption of this cannabinoid can increase, impact or, in general, support concentration.
Daniel Everett is an edtech specialist and writer exploring the impact of digital tools on modern learning. He focuses on AI-driven education, adaptive learning platforms, and how technology enhances accessibility in classrooms.