CBD for Depression

  • Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of natural compound known as a cannabinoid.
  • Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant.
  • Cannabis plants are sometimes called hemp or marijuana, depending on their level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid.
  • THC is associated with a “high.” CBD, however, does not cause psychoactive effects like marijuana does.
  • CBD can be derived from the hemp or marijuana plant.

CBD has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, as new research explores its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that CBD oil and other CBD products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression.

How can it help?

If you’re looking into using CBD for therapeutic purposes, it’s important to understand that the research around CBD is limited.

There have been a lot of studies in the last decade, but most of them were done using animals.

That means the possible benefits of CBD for depression in humans are mostly speculative right now.

Still, CBD does appear to have some benefits for depression, especially for dealing with:

  • anxiety
  • cognitive impairment
  • discomfort before public speaking

THC and CBD may also be helpful for conditions potentially related to depression, such as chronic pain Trusted Source.

What does the research say?

Experts believe that CBD’s potential benefits for depression are related to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain.

Low serotonin levels are likely connected to depression. CBD doesn’t necessarily boost serotonin levels, but it may affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin that’s already in your system.

A 2014 animal study found that CBD’s effect on these receptors in the brain produced both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

A more recent 2018 review Trusted Source of existing studies concluded that CBD has anti-stress effects, which may reduce depression related to stress.

New research and reviews are published every year. As researchers begin to better understand CBD and its potential benefits or concerns, information about how to most effectively use the product will continue to change.

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