While used for many different symptoms, using CBD for depression is slowly becoming more and more popular. Let’s explore the possible ways people can use CBD products to help combat depression. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD or medical marijuana as an alternative medicine for depression and anxiety management.
How Can CBD Help Those With Depression?
Cannabidiol, or simply CBD, has a therapeutic potential as an effective treatment to treat depression or anxiety disorders is still being explored. Some studies suggest that CBD oil products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression and have antidepressant effects.
It is important to understand that although CBD hasn’t been widely researched to treat either depression or anxiety disorders, there is still some evidence which suggests it’s great at helping those with depression.
Just because there isn’t a ton of peer reviewed research available yet on CBD and depression, doesn’t mean it won’t help treat depression. It’s been really difficult to conduct research on all cannabinoids, not just CBD. Since most were legalized in 2018 with the passing of the Farm Bill, researchers are now able to easily conduct their studies. We’ve seen a massive increase in CBD studies since 2018, too.
Thousands of people report massive success with managing their depression through the use of CBD.
It works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This is completely functioning system just like the nervous system, or digestive system. A ton of different receptors called the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors make up this system. CBD affects the receptors, and different outcomes like anti anxiety effects, depression reduction, and pain reduction can occur.
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Some of the benefits of taking CBD oil are:
- Calming an anxiety or panic disorder and creating anti-panic actions.
- Assisting with cognitive impairment.
- Reducing discomfort before public speaking or other stressful events such as flying.
Along with being able to help such conditions as panic disorder, anxiety, and depression, CBD oil has also shown some promise in treating chronic pain and inflammation of the body.
Those who experienced using CBD and its effects on treating depression and anxiety disorders are quite pleased with the outcome.
What Does The Research Say About CBD and Depression?
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Medically reviewed studies and CBD research suggest that CBD extract in products like gummies, capsules, and tinctures has a positive effect on the brain’s serotonin receptors. When serotonin levels become too low, depression can set in.
Although CBD’s job isn’t to necessarily boost the brain’s serotonin levels, it may affect how the brain reacts to the levels of serotonin already present in the body.
An animal study from 2015 found that CBD directly affected the brain’s receptors and produced both antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects. A more recent review from 2018 concluded that CBD has a clear anti-stress effect on the system.
This may be attributed to reducing depression triggered by stress.
Although it is shown that cannabidiol induces rapid and consistent antidepressant effects, the research is ongoing in areas like depression and anxiety disorders. Scientists are working to see exactly how it is that CBD offers sustained antidepressant like effects.
However, if you are dealing with depression or anxiety, it is recommended that you speak to a mental health professional. They will help you determine if a CBD product may be helpful for your specific needs.
How Does CBD Compare to Antidepressant Medications?
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CBD may have some potential benefits over traditional medications. Most of these medications take a long time to start working.
CBD may also produce considerably fewer side effects than the more traditional medications for depression. Side effects such as mood swings, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and agitation are more commonly associated with antidepressants.
Some Cautions When Taking CBD Products
While CBD treatment may offer a few benefits over an antidepressant medication, it is not a replacement and shouldn’t be used as such. As discussed previously, there are few studies that exist on the use of CBD for sustained antidepressant like effects.
Mental health is essential and prescribed medications should never be substituted or stopped unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
What About CBD and Anxiety? Will it Work?
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Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand since people who have anxiety may also be dealing with depression. Taking CBD appears to help with both conditions. One study discovered that taking 600 milligrams (mg) of CBD has much less social anxiety than the subjects who received a placebo.
Another study suggested that people who just took a small amount of CBD (300 mg) had reduced anxiety levels. CBD may have anti-anxiety effects since it may beneficially interact with serotonin levels.
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Safety and Side Effects of CBD
In a 2017 medically reviewed study, the WHO (World Health Organization) concluded that CBD is generally safe. Most of the adverse effects occurred when a person took CBD with another substance such as prescription medications or even grapefruit juice.
Related article: CBD Effects
According to most medically reviewed studies, CBD treatment doesn’t appear to cause too many side effects. However, not everyone is created the same, and some people may be more susceptible to experiencing the side effects of CBD such as:
- Diarrhea and digestive issues
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Appetite and weight changes
There haven’t been any significant long-term risks identified with the research to date. However, this doesn’t mean that CBD doesn’t cause any side effects at all. It means that there has to be more research to make substantial claims about the side effects of CBD.
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To make sure you do not experience these side effects, talk to your doctor before you take CBD because even the best CBD oil can have an adverse effect if the user has an allergy to the ingredients.
How Do I Use CBD?
If you choose CBD oil to benefit several health conditions, the best CBD oils are made with organic hemp extract. These CBD oils should also be third-party lab-tested and come with a COA (Certificate of Analysis).
- Orally – Tinctures, capsules, oils, and sprays are the most common oral forms of CBD. For example, most CBD stores sell a 1,000mg CBD oil tincture these days. For this product, you’d place the drops under your tongue, and wait for the effects to kick in. Works faster than gummies.
- As an edible product – This includes drinks, foods, and gummies. These products have a specific dose of CBD, and many are pretty tasty! Perfect for those who have a hard time taking tinctures or oils. Keep in mind that these products may take a little longer to work since they have to go through the digestive process and make their way through the stomach and into the bloodstream.
- Vaping – Vaping is another way to get instant effects from the CBD. However, there may be many negative side effects associated with vaping.
- Topically – CBD-infused topical products such as lotions, balms, and creams seem to be making a mark in the CBD market. Please note that topical CBD products are mainly used for pain relief rather than treating depression.
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Type: Pure CBD Oil
CBD: 33mg or 66mg per serving
Features: Broad or full spectrum, premium CBD oil
CBD: 45mg per gummy
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Type: CBD oil for sleep
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Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep
Where Do I Buy CBD?
It has never been easier to find CBD products. There are a ton of websites out there selling hemp-derived CBD. You can easily buy CBD online, however, not all CBD companies are created equal.
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Some companies make bold claims that are not backed by any science. At the same time, many other companies mislabel their products altogether.
If you are interested in purchasing CBD, look for a brand like New Phase Blends. Your CBD products should have a COA, be third-party lab tested, and contain the best possible natural and organic ingredients.
Is CBD Legal?
Full article: CBD Laws in the United States
Sort of. CBD is perfectly legal to grow, cultivate, harvest, process, sell, and possess in many US states, but not all states are on board. The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from being legally defined as marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This means using things like CBD oil for depression or other depressive disorders is completely legal.
This bill includes any cannabis plant products with 0.3% THC or less as legal on the federal level. However, some hemp-derived CBD products that contain 0.3% THC or more are considered marijuana. This means that these products are federally illegal, but they can be legal under some state laws.
Before you purchase any CBD product, you’ll have to check first with your state laws and the legality of CBD in your specific state. We also highly recommend that you check the state laws of any state you will be traveling to if you possess or wish to purchase CBD. Keep in mind that the FDA has not yet approved nonprescription CBD products.
How Much CBD Should I Take For Depression?
Taking CBD for depression doesn’t come with many guidelines. Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety don’t have a rule book regarding how much CBD one person needs compared to another person.
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Since many clinical trials are based on using higher doses, it can be hard to determine which amount of CBD will work and which amount won’t work for regular users to feel the possible benefits. However, most evidence suggests starting with smaller doses and working towards higher doses until you feel the effects of the CBD start to work.
This way, you can personally gauge what amount of CBD is best for your specific needs.
Taking Smaller Amounts of CBD May Increase Energy Levels
Most people who report struggling with depression mention they also have issues with a lack of energy, and/or lethargy. It just so happens that smaller amounts of CBD may help promote energy in people, according to recent studies. Using CBD for energy is, slowly, becoming a thing for many people.
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The Best Forms of CBD For Depression
There is still not much research that compares CBD to other forms of depression treatment. One possible benefit of using CBD for depression is that it works faster than most antidepressant medications. But what are the best forms of CBD to take?
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CBD is antidepressant-like since it creates a relatively sustained antidepressant-like effect after taking it. But are other forms of CBD better than others?
Many users claim that a full spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product is better since they contain all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. This is called the “entourage effect.” It means all of these compounds work together to give you a complete effect.
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Type: High strength CBD balm
CBD: 500mg, 1000mg, or 2000mg
Features: Full spectrum, lavender scented
Type: CBD Starter Kit Bundle
Includes: Tincture, Balm, and Gummies
Features: You create your own kit with your custom product choices
Type: Pure CBD Softgel Capsules
CBD: 40mg per capsule
Features: Broad spectrum, vegan certified softgels
Type: Pure CBD Gummies
CBD: 45mg per gummy
Features: Full spectrum, premium quality CBD gummies
Type: Pure CBD Oil
CBD: 33mg or 66mg per serving
Features: Broad or full spectrum, premium CBD oil
CBD: 45mg per gummy
Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep
Type: CBD oil for sleep
CBD: 66mg per serving
Features: Patent-pending CBD and melatonin formula for sleep
However, many shy away from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products because they contain THC. Even though the THC content is minor (0.3% or less) and does not produce any psychoactive effects, they want to avoid having any THC in their system.
Related: Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum Explained
These users will consider a CBD isolate product that contains only pure CBD and nothing else.
When choosing a CBD oil for depression or anxiety, look for the best CBD oil products and companies. Find CBD companies with the following qualities:Â
- It should be easy to reach them
- The company should give you all the information you need
- They have great reviews
- Their CBD products are made with organic hemp and use all-natural ingredients
Summary on Using CBD for Depression
Nonprescription CBD products are quickly becoming popular for a wide range of possible benefits for health, including anxiety and depression. Although there are not enough medically reviewed studies to fully back up any of these health claims, it still does not slow the popularity and purchasing of CBD products.
Many researchers and health care providers will agree that CBD products are generally safe. However, using CBD with other medications is cautioned. It is best to speak to consult your doctor before adding any new supplement to your daily routine, including CBD, especially for mental health concerns like depression or anxiety.
References
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Journal of Pain Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Frontiers in Immunology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Neuropsychopharmacology: https://www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Current Neuropharmacology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
