Can CBD Help in Treating Depression?

CBD has anxiety-relieving properties; however, research suggests that CBD has properties that can help with depression. This article talks about what CBD is, how CBD can help with depression, how to use CBD for depression, how much you should take and the side effects and safety concerns you should remember when you take CBD. 

Most of the research about CBD has been centred on relief for pain and helping those with anxiety; however, most people don't know the use of CBD for depression. Several products can be found in the market, such as Balms, pills and vapes used for pain and anxiety. However, recent research has shown that CBD portrays some properties of antidepressant effects. Although the science of this possibility remains young, more people are opting for CBD to help them with depression. Although pharmaceutical medicines are used for depression, early research suggests that CBD is advantageous over these drugs. Learn more about can cbd be used as a treatment for diabetes?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant; it Is usually grouped as a cannabinoid with other compounds such as THC and CBG. CBD and THC are the dominant compounds, although other compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, usually claim their therapeutic benefits. THC is usually most dominant in the Marijuana variety and is usually responsible for the ‘high’ effect that its smoker’s users mostly feel and is usually known for increasing anxiety.

According to Blessing et al. (2015), CBD, on the contrary, has properties that can be used as a treatment for anxiety disorders. Although most of the research focuses on CBD for anxiety, CBD might not be suitable for everyone. There are a few things to consider before trying it out; you must visit a doctor for medical advice.

Can CBD help in treating depression?

Laczkovics et al. (2021) state that CBD has properties that can help those with depression. Depression is usually characterized by feeling hopeless.People claim that using CBD eases depression, and some research suggests that CBD might have antidepressant properties; more research is being done to know how CBD might work for depression. CBD is thought to affect depression in the following ways; -

Serotonin levels

According to Sales et al. (2018), this possibility of CBD having antidepressant effects might depend on the number of serotonin levels in the brain. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. It's thought that CBD usually interacts with the serotonin receptors to affect the production of serotonin. A low serotonin level is associated with depression. In contrast, a high serotonin level is usually associated with a period of happiness or mania.

Stress levels

Stress is one of the major causes of depression; therefore, because CBD usually has stress-relieving properties, it can be helpful for those suffering from depression. According to Spinella et al. (2021), CBD has properties that can be used to relieve stress.

How to use CBD for depression

CBD can be found in several products you can take according to your preference; it can be taken orally, sublingually or applied topically through the skin. The most effective way of taking CBD for depression is by taking it orally or sublingually because it is usually not known to cause any addiction compared to other medications for depression.

CBD products, such as oil and CBD edibles, gummies, cookies and pills, can be found online. Its method of taking CBD usually has its advantages; CBD edibles, for example, are an amazing way of enjoying CBD for those afraid of the earthy raw taste of CBD oil. In contrast, CBD oil offers fast effects when taken sublingually.Therefore, you can try different ways of taking CBD before deciding which way of taking CBD you find more suitable for you.

How much CBD should I take for depression?

The CBD dosage required differs from person to person; concentration, tolerance and the body’smetabolism can also affect how much you need. The best way of determining how much CBD you need is by starting with low amounts and going on to higher doses if you feel no effects.

Safety first; side effects and dangers of CBD.

CBD is considered safe for consumption; however, several people report some side effects when they take too much CBD. As van de Donk et al. (2019) stated, some side effects usually include diarrhoea, dry mouth and fatigue. However, these side effects don’t appear to everyone and are usually tolerable.

Before taking CBD oil for depression, consider the possibility of CBD interacting with some of your medications. Therefore, you should talk to the doctor before trying CBD products to prevent any interaction with the pharmaceutical drugs prescribed. Although pharmaceutical drugs usually have the potential to have more side effects, such as feeling dizzy or sleepy, this shouldn't be a reason to stop taking medications. Always do the necessary research and seek advice from your medical adviser before trying CBD for depression.

Conclusion

CBD has properties that can help those with mental health problems such as anxiety and sleeping disorders. However, most of the research has been focused on CBD for anxiety. Recent findings suggest CBD might be helpful for those suffering from depression. The ability of CBD to affect the endocannabinoid system has been thought to reduce stress levels and improve mood by affecting serotonin production. When compared to normal pharmaceutical drugs used for depression, CBD is a more natural approach and doesn’t offer some of the side effects these pharmaceutical drugs have.Try different CBD products and find out what your favourite is! 

References

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol is a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Laczkovics, C., Kothgassner, O. D., Felnhofer, A., & Klier, C. M. (2021). Cannabidiol treatment in adolescents with multiple substance abuse, social anxiety and depression. neuropsychiatrie, 35(1), 31-34.

Sales, A. J., Crestani, C. C., Guimarães, F. S., & Joca, S. R. (2018). The antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 86, 255-261.

Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating Cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study. Psychopharmacology, 238(7), 1965-1977.

van de Donk, T., Niesters, M., Kowal, M. A., Olofsen, E., Dahan, A., & van Velzen, M. (2019). A randomized experimental study on the analgesic effects of pharmaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. Pain, 160(4), 860.