CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its more famous cousin, THC, CBD does not produce a high or intoxicating effect. Some people use it to help relieve anxiety, while others take it for pain relief.
There is still much research to be done on CBD and how it affects mental health specifically. However, preliminary studies suggest that CBD may have anti-anxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of many chemicals found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis plants contain over 100 different cannabinoids. CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids. THC is responsible for the “high” that people feel when they use marijuana. CBD does not produce a high or intoxication.
How Does CBD Affect Mental Health?
CBD may have several potential benefits for mental health. Preliminary research suggests that it may help relieve anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
Cannabidiol for Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. They affect 40 million adults every year. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety in both animal and human studies.
A 2015 study looked at the effects of CBD on people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). The participants were given an oral dose of 400 mg of CBD or a placebo. The people who took CBD experienced significantly less anxiety and discomfort during the public speaking test than those who took the placebo.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of depression can include sadness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Cannabidiol has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in animal studies.
A 2018 study looked at the effects of CBD on 72 adults with anxiety and depression. The participants were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. The group that took CBD had significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression after one month compared to the placebo group.
Cannabidiol for Psychosis
Psychosis is a mental health disorder characterized by delusions and hallucinations. Cannabidiol has been shown to reduce these symptoms in animal and human studies.
A 2019 study looked at the effects of CBD on 120 people with psychosis. The participants were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. The group that took Cannabidiol had significantly lower levels of delusions and hallucinations after four weeks compared to the placebo group.
CBD for OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. Cannabidiol has been shown to reduce both of these symptoms in animal and human studies.
A 2017 study looked at the effects of CBD in 42 adults with OCD. The participants were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. The group that took CBD had significantly lower levels of anxiety and compulsions after one month compared to the placebo group.
CBD for PTSD
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Cannabidiol has been shown to reduce all of these symptoms in animal and human studies.
A 2018 study looked at the effects of Cannabidiol on people with PTSD. The participants were given either 600 mg of CBD or a placebo. The group that took CBD had significantly lower levels of anxiety, depression, and insomnia after one month compared to the placebo group.
Side Effects of Cannabidiol
Cannabidiol is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. The most common side effects are fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
It is important to note that CBD can interact with other medications you may be taking. If you are considering using CBD, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
How to Take
Cannabidiol is available in a variety of forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. It can be taken orally or applied to the skin. If you prefer the traditional method, smoking CBD can provide quicker and more effective relief for certain ailments. This consumption method allows CBD to enter the bloodstream and reach the brain and other parts of the body quickly.
Furthermore, growing your own CBD is a viable option to consider. This allows you to have complete control over the quality and purity of your product while enabling you to experiment with different strains and cultivation techniques to find what suits you best. Zamnesia offers a range of high-quality cannabis seeds with diverse strains to choose from. The best way to take CBD depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you are looking for relief from anxiety or pain, you may want to try taking CBD oil. Cannabidiol oil is typically taken sublingually, which means it is placed under the tongue and held for one to two minutes before being swallowed.
If you are interested in trying CBD but don’t like the taste of the oil, you may want to try CBD capsules or gummies. Capsules and gummies are easy to take and don’t have a strong taste. Also, CBD capsules provide a set dose of CBD, which makes them perfect for beginners.
Cannabidiol is also available in topical forms, such as creams and salves. Topical it is applied to the skin and is effective for relieving pain and inflammation in a localized area.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and psychosis in both animal and human studies. Cannabidiol is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. However, it can interact with other medications you may be taking. If you are considering using CBD, be sure to talk to your doctor first.