How Do Psychedelics Help With Phantom Limb Pain?
by Chane Leigh
Learning and memory are two of the best-characterized and most studied examples of neural plasticity, or “neuroplasticity,” but there are actually many stimuli that can activate neuroplastic processes, including one’s environment, social aspects, behavior, and more significantly, pharmacological stimuli (medicinal substances).
Considering this, researcher Ronal Duman explains that neuroplasticity is perhaps “one of the most essential and important processes that the brain performs as it relates to many types of central nervous system functions.” So, what exactly is neuroplasticity, and how can cannabis and/or psychedelics help? Let’s find out.
Neuroplasticity can be considered the umbrella term that refers to “the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.” Dr. Celeste Campbell explains that our brains reorganize in response to our changing needs from the time we are in utero until the day we die. It is this ability to reorganize that allows us to learn from and adapt to our experiences.
Positive Psychology’s Courtney Ackerman further explains neuroplasticity as pathways being created and discarded as a result of our experiences. For example, when we learn something new, “we create new connections between our neurons.” All of our experiences are unique, considering our perspectives and what we go through, which is why a study conducted by Patrice Voss et al. states that the mechanisms of neuroplasticity show “significant variability across individuals.”
Beyond being able to adapt to experiences, neuroplasticity can be used to improve one’s well-being. According to Accelerate Learning Community, a University of Utah initiative, neuroscientists used to believe that the brain stopped developing in adolescence—which would mean that damage done during adulthood would be permanent—but 20th-century research suggests otherwise. The malleability that comes with neuroplasticity is what makes it possible for the brain to recover and adapt, even in adulthood.
Since our experiences dictate how neuroplasticity functions in our brains, they can have positive or negative impacts on our brains. The more the brain is exercised, the stronger and more connected it becomes—hence, positive adaptation. An example of something one can do to induce positive neuroplastic changes is learning another language. Improved neuroplasticity is important for reducing the risk of many illnesses and conditions associated with aging.
The University of Utah initiative explains that neuroplastic change occurs “at the chemical, structural and functional levels of the brain” and that “these changes work in concert with one another.” That being said, let’s take a look at the changes in each of those domains as set forth by Accelerate.
Simply put, cannabis can be used to boost neuroplasticity. According to the Chicago Tribune, cannabis can be especially beneficial in terms of neuroplasticity roles in recovery. Researchers have found that cannabis can act as a neuroprotectant (protecting the brain from damage), and in one particular study, a single low dose of THC did this for seven weeks after cannabis administration. Additionally, those who consume broad- or full-spectrum cannabis were found to be less likely to die from traumatic brain injury as well as able to stimulate protein enzymes in areas of the brain associated with memory, personality, attention, balance, etc.
Cannabis can also be used to preserve neuroplasticity, as it has also been shown to reduce plaque-forming proteins, reduce inflammation, and prevent neural cell death. Since neuroplasticity is important for adapting to experiences, including trauma, having high-functioning neuroplastic properties allows one to recover from negative experiences better. Thus, cannabis can help the brain overcome the trauma and negate the symptoms associated with trauma and injury.
Additionally, a daily dose of cannabis has been found to not only protect but also heal the brain from the effects of aging (which includes reduced neuroplasticity) while providing long-lasting improvement in cognitive performance.
A study conducted by Cato de Vos et al., published in 2021, explains that psychedelics can “induce cognitive, antidepressant, anxiolytic (reduce anxiety), anti addictive effects suggested to arise from biological changes similar to conventional antidepressants…” The researchers explain that the ability of psychedelics to make similar changes to conventional treatment is due to their ability to induce neuroplasticity.
Much like cannabis, psychedelics can be used to promote the structural and functional neural plasticity in our brains. A study conducted by Calvin Ly et al. explains that psychedelics can benefit consumers by improving mood and brain function, which can “persist long after the acute effects of the drugs have subsided.” Psychedelics have been said to “rebuild broken brains.” Roland Griffiths, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University, explains that “these substances [psychedelics] seem to unlock the brain’s ability to remodel itself”—which is literally what neuroplasticity does.
Our understanding of exactly how cannabis and psychedelics are able to boost neuroplasticity is still limited and much of what we know is based on their effects on the likes of trauma and mental illness like Alzheimer’s, as well as their general benefits, such as anti-inflammation, boosting serotonergic levels, etc. What we do know is that cannabis and psychedelics are both being considered more effective alternatives to pharmaceuticals for many conditions that can be linked to reduced neuroplastic functioning.
Until more certain research and clinical trials are conducted, people looking to improve their lives by boosting their neuroplasticity should consider cannabis—especially since low doses appear to be effective, meaning a “high” is not necessary to reap cannabis’ neural benefits. Not quite sure if cannabis is right for your wellness needs? Speak to a licensed medical cannabis doctor to find out.
Whatever your reasons for consuming cannabis during the day, it’s important to know how your cannabis will affect you to avoid becoming couch-locked when you should be working on something. Most of society needs to get things done throughout the day, meaning that the cannabis consumed should assist, not prevent, progress. How to Pick a…
New cannabis research found that a cannabis-based drug was able to kill pancreatic cancer cells. This cannabis-based drug, or rather miraculous medication, is a botanical combination of extracts from the Cyathus striatus fungus and cannabis. This powerful combo was even able to destroy all of the cancer cells without damaging any healthy cells, unlike conventional…
It’s safe to say that the wheels on the cannabis reform express have certainly been set in motion. As of April 2022, 47 states have legalized cannabis in some form or another. However, the plant’s federally illegal status—U.S. law categorizes cannabis as a Schedule I drug—means that businesses operating in this industry cannot conduct transactions with…
Cannabis’ former reputation as a gateway drug may have been dispelled, but it turns out that there is some element of truth to the rumor: The plant’s progressively evolving status as a normalized medicine in 37 U.S. states and a recreational substance in 18 U.S. states is prompting a wave of change across America’s statehouses….
Have you ever wondered whether one can be allergic to cannabis? Some may laugh at the suggestion of one being allergic to cannabis considering its widely known safety and efficacy. However, like most substances, there may be some individuals who are allergic to it. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than…
Woody Harrelson’s new dispensary opened for business, Thailand announced its giveaway of 1 million cannabis plants, and Vermont awarded its first cannabis…
There’s no denying the fact that CBD is dominating the wellness landscape. Increasing awareness of the cannabinoid’s medicinal effects is going hand-in-hand…
Austin decriminalized cannabis possession, Vancouver is now home to some not-so-legal magic mushroom shops, and a British woman shared her life-changing medical…