Both human and animal studies show that CBD can potentially change the way a brain’s receptors respond to serotonin, thus delivering some relief linked to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
CBD (Cannabidiol) can potentially alleviate symptoms related to mental health condition like depression and anxiety.
A growing body of research has shown CBD’s potential to relieve the signs of various ailments and the pain associated with those, from arthritis to multiple sclerosis. CBD’s proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant properties, as well as its positive effect on brain chemistry, could also potentially help with easing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health symptoms.
How CBD Affects a Human Brain
Some preliminary human and animal studies have shown that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a collection of cell receptors and molecules in the human body that helps regulate essential functions such as sleep, appetite, mood, and pain. This is primarily due to how CBD affects the way a brain’s receptors respond to serotonin. CBD influences brain activity by directly interacting with cell receptors, with one of the byproducts being the release of serotonin and dopamine.
According to research, CBD use can potentially help:
- Manage anxiety and depression
- Improve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Relieve stress
- Reduce insomnia
- Offer some anti-psychotic effects on patients with schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis.
Relieving the Symptoms of Depression
Depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults in any given year, with one in six expected to experience depression at some time in their life. It has many facets and can be debilitating, affecting how we feel, think, and act, and leading to decreased functionality in daily life as well any number of physical and emotional issues. Those include a range of moods, from feeling sad to suicidal, loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite, fatigue, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and more.
The good news: CBD has shown promise in relieving some of the symptoms of depression. One study, for example, showed “ample evidence that endocannabinoids are important regulators of stress responses,” and that CBD can have a positive effect on “the modulation of the serotonin system through endocannabinoid signaling.” Serotonin levels can impact a person’s sense of wellbeing, and stabilizing them are often a focus of traditional treatments.
Managing Anxiety
Evidence suggests that some people can get relief from anxiety by using CBD. A small study from 2010 showed that CBD can reduce the symptoms of social anxiety in people affected by social anxiety disorder (SAD). According to the study, people not only felt better and more positive overall but their brains responded to anxiety in a different way too. Another study, associated with treating anxiety in people with SAD and with anxiety about public speaking specifically, found that CBD could reduce those symptoms.
Additionally, a 2015 review of studies indicated that CBD oil in particular could be a promising form of short-term treatment (data on long-term effects is still limited) for many forms of anxiety, including:
- SAD
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- PTSD
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
CBD’s Overall Benefits
Also, consider that:
- CBD is NOT habit-forming (and therefore could be a safer alternative to potent drugs, such as opiates, upon which users can develop dependence)
- Has no proven adverse side effects
- Users aren’t known to build tolerance to CBD’s effects, so no dosage increase is necessary with continuing use
- CBD does not have psychoactive properties like those of THC
- Also, unlike THC, it’s completely legal.
While CBD’s role in treating anxiety and depression is supported by a wealth of promising research, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor or medical professional before stopping or changing a current treatment plan.
Still have questions about CBD? Stop by our shop in the New Orleans’ Marigny to learn more about CBD and to check out our huge selection of hemp-derived, lab-tested, 100% THC-free CBD products. We’re more than happy to show you how to use any of our products, and discuss the dosage that might work best for you.