A new concussion pill containing cannabinoids is demonstrating signs of success in treating traumatic brain injuries.

The pill utilizes a combination of hemp-derived cannabinoids and an N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) amino acid to improve cognitive functions after traumatic brain injuries. In a pre-clinical study, rodents with traumatic brain injury showed significant cognitive progress when using the combination of the two compared to using just a single agent. In addition, the study showed there were no adverse effects from using the combination therapy or the individual components.

In 2016, the University of Miami received a $16 million grant from Scythian Biosciences Corp. of Toronto to launch a five-year study to examine the effects of combining CBD with an NMDA amino acid for treatment of brain injuries and concussions. Scythian and the researchers believe that the combination could reduce post-injury brain cell inflammation, headaches, pain and other symptoms associated with concussion.

“The results were statistically significant and encouraging,” Scythian’s Jonathan Gilbert, who manages the University of Miami partnership, said. “This evidence strongly suggests further testing is warranted on medical cannabis’ potential in the treatment of trauma to the brain.”

Professional sports leagues, like the NHL and especially the NFL, have seen a rise in concussions and traumatic brain injuries due to the repeated physical impacts sustained by teammates during play. The NFL is currently in the midst of an opioid crisis in addition to dealing with an epidemic of players developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can lead to memory loss and impulsive behavior, which could result in death. Many current and former NFL players have voiced their support for medical cannabis to help battle the opioid crisis that sweeps the league, and perhaps the “concussion pill” can help with the NFL’s concussion problem.

“The potential is enormous and extraordinary,” Gilbert said. “It may someday be mandatory equipment on the sidelines of every football, baseball and soccer game, from youth leagues to professional organizations, ready to protect people of all ages from the brain’s immediate inflammatory response to trauma.”

The next phase of the research program will involve a small human pilot study. Assuming the second phase is successful, the third phase of the program would see a full-scale clinical trial with FDA oversight over the next three years.