Using CBD to Treat Mental Illness

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been quite the buzz these days. For those that don’t know, CBD is commonly derived from the hemp plant. The product is typically extracted as an oil and used as a tincture. Most CBD products will not produce a “high” feeling. This makes CBD an effective treatment for various diseases and ailments.

Recently, CBD has been gaining popularity for its treatment of various mental illnesses. Most people first hear about CBD being used to treat anxiety. This is the most known mental illness among many people today. As CBD is becoming more and more trendy, people are beginning to wonder if CBD can “really” provide the benefits companies are claiming. Those that are just now learning about CBD wonder if it’s just another “fad” or “hoax.”

I have written this article to explain the various mental health problems that CBD has been known to relieve. I hope the article will help clear up any confusion among newcomers and provide reliable evidence behind these claims. I have referenced various scientific studies at the end of the article that will help you continue with your research.


CBD Cure-All

In this section. I will briefly mention the various mental health problems that CBD has been known to relieve. I will only go into detail on a few throughout the article.

Through animal testing and studies on humans, scientists believe that CBD can benefit those suffering from schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychosis, substance abuse disorder, and even symptoms of autism.

I will provide additional detail focusing on anxiety and depression. These two mental health illnesses impact the most people compared to other mental illnesses. Anxiety affects over 40 million people in the U.S. alone. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 300 million people suffer from depression worldwide. These numbers are shocking. Many of those suffering don’t seek help, and if they do, they are prescribed medications that can lead to additional problems like addiction.


Anxiety

CBD and even psychoactive marijuana have shown promising results for those suffering from anxiety. In one study, human models were given 300 mg of CBD. This caused a significant decrease in anxiety levels after a simulated public speaking test. In another study, 600 mg of CBD were given to patients suffering from social anxiety disorder. The subjects experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and showed less cognitive impairment.

These positive results provide light into the therapeutic benefits of using CBD during clinical therapy. Many doctors will not begin to incorporate CBD into their practice until additional research is done.


Depression

CBD has been thought to alleviate symptoms of depression, but most studies have only been conducted on animal models. In a 2014 study, CBD acted as an effective antidepressant when given to rats. The same results were shown in a 2018 study when scientists found that CBD can produce rapid antidepressant effects, and these effects were sustained overtime. These scientists concluded that, “Cannabidiol induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects through increased BDNF signaling and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex.”

Some readers may be more curious as to “how” CBD interacts with the brain to produce these effects. We now know that CBD creates a positive reaction to serotonin receptors in the brain. The compound produces these effects through its involvement with 5-HT1A receptors.


Is it right for you?

CBD is an effective compound that is beginning to gain popularity as an alternative medicine. Even though we are beginning to see promising evidence for the future use of CBD for treating mental health problems, we need more human research to determine if it is safe and effective. Recent studies suggest that CBD can provide an effective and safe natural treatment for various health issues. So far, we know that CBD has potential, and the compound is non-habit forming, meaning that users are not at risk of developing an addiction. Before deciding that CBD is right for you, consult with a doctor about how to use it and the risk of interactions with other medications. I hope you found this article helpful. As always, do your own research before using CBD. Happy Hemping!


References
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
https://cbd-b.be/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2014-Antidepressant-Like-and-Anxiolytic-Like-Effects-of-Cannabidiol.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
https://www.drperlmutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/CBD-BDNF.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2823358/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22509273
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25667194
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444130/
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/05/14/magazine/cbd-cannabis-cure.html
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics

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