Is It Recommended to Treat Your Anxiety and Depression Using CBD?

CBD has shown the potential to treat depression and anxiety. This article discusses CBD, its effect on anxiety and depression, how to take CBD for anxiety and depression, and where to buy the product.

CBD is becoming popular as many people understand its potential benefits. Cannabidiol treats pain, sleep, and mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress. These mental disorders are caused by life challenges, resulting in headaches, lack of appetite, and low productivity at work. When the mind is disturbed, individuals cannot concentrate on either studies or work. CBD has shown the potential to treat these mental disorders making individuals relax and feel calm.

What Is CBD

Marinotti & Serial (2020) stated CBD is derived from cannabis sativa plants. It is among many compounds found in cannabis plants, such as terpenes, flavonoids, CBG, CBN, THC, and many others. These cannabinoids play an important role in the body. THC is known for its euphoric effects by altering the mental state of users. Still, when used in small amounts, it offers potential benefits. THC is used in low quantities in CBD products, making them more effective and stronger. According to Kaufmann et al. (2021), cannabidiol has three types: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, and full-spectrum CBD. They are different in their contents in them and their effectiveness. These types are effective, but full-spectrum CBD is most effective since it contains traces of THC. There are several ways to consume CBD, like vapes, edibles, drinks, and topicals. It is up to individuals to determine the best method that suits them well.

CBD For Anxiety And Depression

Anxiety and depression mostly appear together, and individuals with one tend to have the other. CBD can potentially reduce mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. When the mind is disturbed, individuals cannot perform their daily activities well. Some go looking for methods to make them relax and continue well daily. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors responsible for controlling many functions in the body, such as pain, sleep, immune response, anxiety, depression, and stress. This system has CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. CBD interacts with these receptors, sending signals to the endocannabinoid system. CBD works to make the functions of this system more effective. This is where individuals start to experience relief from their anxiety and depression. When individuals are stressed, serotonin is usually at low levels. It is a hormone that regulates mood, stress and emotion.

Furthermore, Orben et al. (2020) stated that serotonin affects a wide variety of functions in the human body, such as feelings of happiness or well-being and emotional state. Maintaining serotonin levels at equilibrium is frequently the main therapy for individuals experiencing stress, depression, and anxiety. CBD increases the levels of serotonin which makes individuals experience relief from their anxiety and depression. According to R de Mello Schier et al. (2014), CBD acts as an antianxiety and antidepressant substance to reduce mental disorders. However, only a few studies have examined how CBD helps with anxiety and depression.

A study was conducted on rats who were exposed to certain stressors. CBD was used to treat them, and their symptoms decreased at the end of the study. Some people using CBD for their anxiety and depression have reported positive results, meaning that cannabidiol can help deal with these mental disorders. Consuming a few drops of CBD oil in the morning can reduce their stress and help them stay focused and alert throughout the day. However, consuming CBD in the evening helps individuals relax and feel calm after a long and tiring day. It helps in reducing stress. This creates a good environment for them to fall asleep.

How To Take CBD For Anxiety And Depression

There are several ways to consume CBD for anxiety and depression. The best method to use depends on the individual's preferences and needs. It is up to them to decide the method that suits them well. These include;

Oil and tinctures:

Some people may prefer taking CBD oil sublingually. This involves putting a few drops of oil underneath the tongue using a dropper. The dropper helps users approximate the right dosage for them. Individuals should hold it for about a minute to absorb CBD well. Cannabidiol gets absorbed through the sublingual glands, where they enter the bloodstream. Individuals using this method start experiencing relief from their anxiety, depression, and stress within 15 to 30 minutes after the consumption. It has higher bioavailability than edibles and capsules, so many individuals choose it.

Edibles

CBD edibles include gummies, chocolates, sweets, cookies, and even drinks. Some individuals may infuse CBD oil into drinks, tea, coffee, or other drinks. Edibles are the best method to take CBD for individuals who dislike the earthly taste of cannabidiol. They have lower bioavailability since they have to pass through the digestive system, which takes longer before metabolizing them.

Vaping:

Some people also prefer taking CBD by inhalation method. This involves using vape pens filled with CBD e-liquid and then heated to turn into vapor. When the vapor is inhaled, it goes directly into the lungs and gets absorbed into the bloodstream. This is the fastest method for individuals to experience its effects.

Where To Buy CBD For Anxiety And Depression

CBD products are legal in the UK if THC levels are below 0.2%. Any amount of THC beyond the limit is considered illegal. Individuals can purchase CBD products from online shops and physical stores. However, CBD products are not regulatedand can come across as poor quality. It is up to them to make sure they get the best product. Individuals should ensure they visit the CBD website to get the best company to purchase the CBD product. The website shows details of many companiesreviews. They should avoid the company with negative reviews and choose the ones with positive reviews. Buying from a reputable company is very important. The products from these companies are of high quality and safe for human consumption. Users should ask for a certificate of analysis and third-party lab test results. This will make them sure that the product is safe for human consumption.

Conclusion

CBD has shown the potential to reduce anxiety and depression. It interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors, where individuals start experiencing relief from these conditions. When people are depressed, the levels of serotonin are low. CBD increases serotonin levels hence reducing stress, depression, and anxiety. It is good to consult the doctor before consuming any CBD product. The doctor will help you determine the best product and the dosage to start with.

References

Kaufmann, R., Aqua, K., Lombardo, J., & Lee, M. (2021). Observed Impact of Long-term Consumption of Oral Cannabidiol on Liver Function in Healthy Adults. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating full-spectrum hemp extracts from CBD isolates Implications for policy, safety and science. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526.

Orben, A., Tomova, L., & Blakemore, S. J. (2020). The effects of social deprivation on adolescent development and mental health. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 4(8), 634-640.

R de Mello Schier, A., P de Oliveira Ribeiro, N., S Coutinho, D., Machado, S., Arias-Carrión, O., A Crippa, J., ... & C Silva, A. (2014). Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa. CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets-CNS & Neurological Disorders), 13(6), 953-960.