Millions of Americans struggle with depression each year. It can feel like a black hole has taken over your life, leaving you feeling sad, empty, and totally depleted. Thankfully, people have been more open about their mental health and the stigma for conditions like depression are decreasing. That being said, many people with depression still don’t know where to turn for help. While there are many things that can help depression including prescription drugs and therapy, CBD could also be used to improve moods and outlooks, helping those with depression live happier lives.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a type of cannabinoid that comes from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains dozens and dozens of different cannabinoids that interact with the human body in many different ways. Perhaps the most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC is known as the psychoactive component in marijuana that makes you high. However, when it comes to CBD, the levels of THC are so low or even nonexistent that there is no high produced, it’s not addictive, and you don’t build up a tolerance to it. This is important when it comes to questions of legality, as CBD is legal at the federal level and is legal in many states.
Can CBD Help Depression?
Since CBD has just recently taken the market by storm, leaving regulators and researchers playing catch up, there haven’t been a large number of human studies within the United States regarding the benefits of CBD. However, there have been animal studies and studies outside the United States that do look promising involving different conditions like epilepsy, anxiety, pain, and depression.
When it comes to CBD and depression, the initial findings have shown that CBD interacts in a positive way with the serotonin receptors in your brain. Serotonin is a key element involved in your emotions and happiness. When you have depression, you have lower serotonin levels and, therefore, the traditional treatments involve trying to increase these levels. CBD is unique in that it doesn’t necessarily increase these levels but instead acts as a booster to the levels that you already have. CBD has also been shown to help improve stress levels that can decrease psychological issues like anxiety and depression.
How to Use CBD for Depression
There are many different ways that you can use CBD for depression since CBD comes in different forms. The great thing about CBD is that any side effects are rather mild and you can find CBD products online, at holistic pharmacies, or at medical marijuana shops if available in your location. Here’s some information on how to use some of the different forms of CBD in order to improve your depression:
- CBD oil/tincture: There are many varieties of CBD oils and tinctures out there that can either be taken sublingually or added into food or drink. CBD oil has the highest concentration of CBD and tincture also has high concentrations in combination with other added oils for flavor.
- Edible CBD: If you aren’t a fan of oils, there are also edible CBD products in the form of supplements or even chewable gummies that you can simply pop into your mouth and take that way. This is a good option for those who are hesitant about the taste and dosing of oils.
Overall, initial studies have shown very promising results when it comes to CBD and depression. CBD also has the potential to improve other issues like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia with little to no side effects compared to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. If you are looking for a new way to deal with your depression, CBD might be the thing that you have been missing!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
