CNR1 gene

    The CNR1 gene codes for CB1 receptors, one of the main receptors involved in the brain’s cannabinoid system.

    Cannabinoid receptors are highly expressed in the brain’s limbic system, which is why the cannabinoid system is highly involved in mood, wakefulness, and the regulation of the stress response. These receptors are also prominent in several key areas of the brain involved in cognitive processes -- such as the hippocampus -- which gives the cannabinoid system a key role in several important biological and cognitive processes including synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

    Cannabinoid receptors are also very widespread throughout the gut nervous system, where they play a major role in counteracting inflammation.

    In general, the variants that people carry in the CNR1 gene determine how well their cannabinoid receptors work. Because this system has so many different roles in the body, abnormal cannabinoid receptor activity can lead to a complex variety of symptoms, such as increased inflammation, fatigue, elevated stress, impaired learning and memory, and even mood problems.

    Interestingly, this range of symptoms closely matches those commonly seen in people who have “brain fog”. Therefore, the variants you carry in this gene can affect your cognitive ability by determining how vulnerable you are to brain fog.

CNR1 SNP rs1049353

    Carriers of the ‘T’ allele for rs1049353 are at relatively increased risk of experiencing brain fog and other tricky mood- and cognitive issues – most likely because their brain’s cannabinoid system is under-active.

    One of the main dietary problems that people with brain fog have are food intolerances or sensitivities (lectin,gluten, oxalate).  

    Another potential way to protect yourself against brain fog and improve your cognitive function is to use supplements that boost the activity of your cannabinoid system, such as CBD oil (cannabidiol).

    Although it is derived from compounds in marijuana (cannabis), using CBD oil won’t make you “high” (i.e. it is not psychoactive). Nonetheless, the natural cannabinoids in CBD oil have been found to treat many different conditions and symptoms that are involved in brain fog, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, oxidative stress, chronic pain and anxiety and other mood problems.