There have been over 30 failed clinical trials searching for better treatments for TBI, resulting in no significant effect worthy of becoming a pharmaceutical therapy. Activating the innate cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) reduces brain swelling and neurological impairment. Cannabinoid 2-AG is released in the brains of mice following brain injury, though not enough to protect the damaged brain.
In a study led by a top team from Hebrew University in Israel including the godfather of cannabis research, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a single dose of plant derived 2-AG was administered to brain damaged mice. The mice who received treatment improved in cognitive function, motor function and every parameter they examined, even months later.