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.
Discover: What Do CBD Gummies Do For The Body?
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?
Related: Using CBD for Bipolar Disorder
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?
Related: CBD for Sleep Disorders
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?
Related: CBD vs THC for Anxiety
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.
Related: How Much CBD Should I Take For Anxiety?
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.
Related: How Does CBD Work?
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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