CBD oil has been a hot topic of conversation lately, largely because of its growing benefits for health. Specialists say It may actually be the future of mental health medication.
Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD does not produce a high feeling of THC but it may have therapeutic potential when treating anxiety or pain relief from inflammation.
In this article, we will be discussing CBD oil’s effects on depression and what you have to consider before taking CBD.
Understanding depression
Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in America, with one of every eight adults suffering from some form of depression.
Some of the effects of depression include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Panic attacks
- Concentration difficulties
- Memory loss
- Negative thoughts
- Mood swings
What is CBD Oil?
Marijuana plant products
There are 3 types of quality cbd oil:
- Full-spectrum: Contains CBD, other cannabinoids, and THC
- Broad-spectrum: Contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC so it does not have psychoactive effects.
- Isolate: Only contains CBD
CBD Benefits
Although treating depression might be the focus of this article, the truth is that CBD can have a positive effect on almost every aspect of your well-being.
CBD can treat the following:
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Cancer-related symptoms
-Diabetes and insulin resistance.
CBD also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which is good for people with arthritis or any other autoimmune disorder. CBD reduces pain by blocking some of the neurotransmitters that cause inflammation in your body.
CBD for Depression
CBD oil has been determined by experts as effective to treat depression and even in some cases of severe clinical depression.
Depression is typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be triggered by certain factors like stress, trauma, or drug use.
Experts believe that CBD oil may help restore the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain and improve mental health.
CBD has been found to affect the brain’s serotonin receptors, which are responsible for regulating mood.
For those who are dealing with mental health issues, high serotonin levels are key for their well-being.
Cannabidiol may induce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects when increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex
What The Experts Say
For many years, there have been a lot of animal models that suggest CBD might offer great psychiatric potential.
Studies done on animals show that CBD is able to decrease anxiety and curb inflammation, making it an excellent treatment for patients with psychotic disorders.
Research suggests that a deficiency in your endocannabinoid system (ECS) may produce depressive responses.
CBD oil is thought to help with depression as it affects the serotonin 1A receptors in the body.
A study published by Frontiers in Immunology made in 2018 found CBD does not directly stimulate the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors. That means there is zero to no risk of abusing CBD to the point of becoming addicted.
Another study published in 2019 collected medical and personal data of depression patients to determine that “cannabidiol induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects through interaction in the prefrontal cortex.”
Even though CBD has mostly been proved in animal studies and more clinical trials are needed, academic research institutions affirm that CBD holds promise as a treatment for anxiety and depression.
CBD for Anxiety
Prolonged anxiety might be a symptom of other mental health disorders like PTSD, TOC, or a social anxiety disorder.
Low serotonin levels and untreated anxiety and depression might lead to a panic disorder.
A study published in the journal Neurotherapeutics found CBD to be a safe, effective treatment for anxiety. CBD’s effects on serotonin production and CBD’s antipsychotic properties work to decrease the amount of anxiety felt by a person.
Moreover, just like other cannabis Sativa products, CBD works as a sleep aid and anti-inflammatory agent.
CBD vs Prescription Medications
Some of the side effects that can come with taking antidepressant medications include:
- Nausea
- Sedation
- Insomnia
- Panic attacks
- Weight gain or weight loss problems
- Concentration difficulties
Antidepressant medication might be detrimental to your health in a number of ways and might lead to addiction.
CBD is an all-natural alternative to antidepressants that might have fewer side effects than traditional treatments. CBD does not create dependency as prescription medications do.
CBD’s effects on serotonin receptors and CBD’s anxiolytic-like effects work to decrease the amount of anxiety felt by a person.
More research is needed to say that CBD can be a substitute for traditional medicine to treat anxiety, CBD is a promising therapy that could be used as an alternative due to its antidepressant-like effects.
Risk and Side Effects
- People with CBD sensitivity might experience fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Nonprescription CBD products are not regulated by the FDA (Food and drug administration) and CBD products are not classified as dietary supplements.
- CBD should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women since it can be passed on to the baby and there is not enough research on CBD’s impact on children.
CBD and liver
Peer-reviewed studies show that CBD and THC might have an effect on how the liver breaks down other medicines, which can lead to a build-up of liver toxicity.
We recommend speaking to a doctor about taking CBD if you’re on any medications before starting.
How to incorporate CBD in your life
When treating anxiety and depression, specialists recommend taking CBD as a supplement. CBD oils, tinctures, and edibles are the most popular CBD products for anxiety and depression treatment.
The recommended dosage you should take to get the beneficial effects is 15-25 mg per day. CBD can be taken once or twice a day and CBD doses of up to 50mg are safe for daily usage.
You can start taking CBD oil in your morning tea to reduce anxiety and depression, CBD oil products can be taken throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal on the federal level but may be prohibited under laws in some states since the trace of THC may show in a drug test.
If you’re considering taking CBD for depression, first, check with your state to see what laws apply in that area. Next, check the federal level for guidance on what products you can have.
Does CBD Oil Help depression?
Cannabis plant-derived products as CBD oil have been proven to have therapeutic effects similar to antidepressant medications.
The fact that CBD helps to boost serotonin proves its clear anti-stress effect.
Can I take CBD every day?
Can I give CBD to kids?
Bottomline:
Depression and anxiety are a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people every year. CBD oil has been used as an alternative treatment to treat depression and help with the symptoms, and it can be especially helpful for those who don’t have access to traditional therapy.
CBD oil doesn’t just have mood-boosting effects either – studies show that CBD may also work as an antidepressant. It’s a great alternative to medical marijuana since it does not have the psychoactive effects of THC.
More research needs to be done to keep proving CBD effectiveness but CBD is becoming an alternative medicine with many potential benefits for depression sufferers. Its rising popularity and acceptance in the scientific community will occur naturally.