Natural component cannabidiol, also known as CBD, has increased in popularity in recent years, owing in part to an increasing body of study into its possible health benefits, which may include the treatment of depression. CBD is derived from the hemp plant. The preliminary results of certain investigations examining the effects of CBD on depression appear to be encouraging.
CBD is one of more than 100 molecules known as cannabinoids, which are found in cannabis. These can be found in the cannabis plant in its natural state.
While CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are chemically identical, the two chemicals have very distinct effects on the body. Using cannabis can cause feelings of pleasure, also known as the “high,” which a person feels. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
CBD has no such effects on the body, and it does not produce a high or sensations of euphoria in the user.
Learn about the potential for cannabidiol (CBD) to help alleviate the symptoms of depression in this article. CBD treatment for any disease may not be appropriate for everyone, and there are a number of other factors to consider before utilizing CBD treatment for any ailment.
Is Cannabidiol (CBD) legal? CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed under federal law, but they are still banned under several state regulations. CBD-derived products manufactured from cannabis, on the other hand, are prohibited under federal law but allowed under some state regulations. When travelling, especially in foreign countries, always sure to check local legislation. It’s also important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be labelled incorrectly.
CBD and depression
A person’s health, social life, capacity to work, and overall well-being can be adversely affected by depression and anxiety disorders, which are frequent mental health issues that can have long-term consequences.
Pharmaceutical medications can be prescribed by a doctor to assist a patient in treating or managing depression. Many of these medications have unpleasant side effects, such as mood swings, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, that must be managed carefully.
First-in-human studies have revealed that CBD shows potential as a treatment for depression and anxiety, and it may be associated with less negative effects in certain people.
The findings of a study conducted in 2014 may aid in explaining why CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of depression. They state that CBD appears to have a beneficial interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain in the majority of the trials conducted.
Serotonin has an impact on a variety of bodily functions, including a person’s mental state as well as their emotions of well-being and happiness. When it comes to treating depression, maintaining a healthy serotonin level is typically a vital component of treatment.
Research
Testing on animal models has yielded some evidence in support of the usage of CBD to assist in the treatment of depression.
Results from a range of research, according to the authors of the 2014 review, indicate that CBD appears to operate as an antidepressant and antianxiety chemical in animal models of depression.
In addition, according to the authors of a 2018 review, numerous research have demonstrated that CBD has anti-stress and antidepressant efficacy in animal models.
After both short- or long-term use, the chemical demonstrates a significant anti-stress impact. CBD was found to have antidepressant properties in certain studies.
The researchers also discovered that the substance was effective without directly stimulating the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors, which may signal that CBD has a lower risk of becoming habit-forming or addictive in the long run.
The potential of CBD to help persons with opioid use disorder lower their cravings has even been investigated by researchers in the past.
According to the findings of a 2018 study, cannabidiol (CBD) has potential as a fast-acting antidepressant.
The majority of experts who have conducted CBD animal studies believe that more direct human study is needed, but their preliminary findings are an important first step toward understanding how CBD functions in the body.
CBD for treatment of panic and anxiety
In humans, several studies have revealed that CBD may be beneficial for a variety of additional disorders that are typically associated with depression, such as anxiety or panic disorder.
A 2017 study of the potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for panic disorder discovered some encouraging outcomes.
According to the authors, panic disorder affects around 5% of the world’s population and is characterized by unexpected and recurrent panic attacks that occur without warning.
According to one study in the review, a single dose of 300 milligrams (mg) of CBD resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety levels after a simulated public speaking test in human models.
Additional study discovered that taking 600 mg of CBD daily resulted in a significant reduction in anxiety measures in patients suffering from social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms and side effects
Taken CBD orally, inhaled, or applied topically does not appear to have any negative impact on the user’s health.
If, on the other hand, a person is sensitive to the chemicals in CBD, they may encounter the following:
CBD has the potential to interact with a variety of drugs and to enhance liver damage as well. Although the CBD product Epidiolex has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the medication comes with a warning concerning the possibility of liver damage in those who use it.
In a study published in the journal Molecules in 2019, researchers tested Epidiolex on mice. They discovered that animals given higher doses had liver issues within a day of receiving them.
It is true that the results of a rodent study may not be directly applicable to the human body, but they do illustrate that a product’s claim to be natural does not necessarily imply that it is fully safe when taken in large quantities.
Anyone considering using CBD should consult with their doctor about any current medications they are taking in order to rule out any potential interactions. CBD may interact with a number of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements, as well as with prescription medications, according to the FDA.
When taking CBD, patients should exercise extra caution if they are taking prescription medications that warn against consuming grapefruit.
How to make use of it
Many people choose to consume CBD through the mouth, using tinctures, capsules, and oils, among other methods.
When CBD is used on a regular basis, it may be the most beneficial.
Because there does not appear to be a risk of establishing an addiction to CBD, it is possible that long-term usage will be safe for the majority of individuals.
The FDA has not approved any CBD products that are available without a prescription.
It is critical to purchase from trusted stores. Also, it is a good idea to look for third-party test findings that reveal the amount of CBD present in a particular product before purchasing it.
CBD products produced from marijuana are prohibited at the federal level, although they are permitted under some state laws. CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed on the federal level, but they are still banned under the rules of some states.
A person should familiarize himself with the laws of their own state as well as the laws of any destination they intend to visit.
It’s indeed necessary to note that the FDA does not allow CBD products that are sold without a prescription. It is possible that the labeling is incorrect.
Conclusion
CBD is a powerful chemical that is rising in popularity as an alternative treatment.
While there is some intriguing evidence for the potential use of CBD as an antidepressant in the future, additional research in people is required to discover whether it is safe and effective in this use.
Individuals who are interested in taking CBD for depression or anxiety should consult with a doctor to learn more about how to use it and the possibility of drug interactions with other prescription medications.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/9/1694
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324846
- https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix
- https://www.epidiolex.com/
- https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.18101191
- https://www.drperlmutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CBD-BDNF.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5412699/
- http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
