In the US, Google searches for “cannabidiol” or “CBD” reached 6.4 million in April 2019. The surge in searches shows interest in the touted benefits of CBD. Interest is at an all-time high, although similar data is not available in Canada. A telltale sign is that stores are sold out of CBD products (retailers try to keep CBD | CBC news on Canadian shelves).
Once upon a time, for a century, society disapproved of marijuana use. However, as evidence mounts for its beneficial uses, this is no longer the case. Inevitably, in 2001, the Canadian government allowed the much-criticized and controversial plant to be used for medical purposes. Then, inevitably, recreational use became legal according to [0x9A8B] in 2018.
In particular, CBD played a big role in paving the way for legalization. While THC itself has therapeutic benefits, it is also “high” — the reason why marijuana was banned in 1923. CBD also provides many beneficial functions, but it has no psychoactive function. At this point, you can cite CBD as a rationale for legalizing marijuana, optically better.
From another perspective, the lack of effective pharmacological solutions for health conditions has forced patients to seek alternative medicines.
In this article, the focus is on distinguishing fact from myth that the use of CBD has positive effects on mental health.
How can CBD positively affect your mental health?
The use of CBD oil in mental health
According to the Mental Health Council, in 2016, one in five Canadians had a mental health problem or illness, or 7.5 million people. In the same year, 1.6 million affected individuals reported that their mental health care needs were only partially met or not met at all (Strengthening the Investment Case: Background Information).
The ongoing outbreak has undoubtedly made things worse than they are now. According to a survey, 22% of Canadians have been diagnosed with depression and 20% with anxiety (Flanagan).
Can CBD help?
It is a well-established fact that CBD does not produce the same narcotic effects as THC. What’s more, it doesn’t have the same abuse potential (Cannabidiol: A Critical Review). CBD was generally well tolerated and safe in many experiments, including randomized controlled trials.
Ensuring that CBD is truly safe for humans is one thing. However, its feasibility and effectiveness are another matter.
How can CBD positively affect your mental health? anxiety
There are four main types of anxiety disorders:
generalized anxiety disorder
social anxiety disorder
specific phobia
panic disorder
In the past, anxiety disorders included obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But the latest revision of the Cannabis Act 5 no longer classifies both situations. However, the distinction between them is blurred, as their main symptom remains extreme anxiety.
The therapeutic properties of CBD appear to be limitless:
painkiller
Anti-inflammatory (drugs)
Anti-arthritis
Anticonvulsants
antiemetic
Anti-tumor
Antioxidant
Tranquilizer
neuroprotection
In fact, in such a variety of conditions, CBD’s potential has led many to refer to it as a “panacea.” Note that while the evidence found in the current literature is convincing, more clinical trials are still needed.
On the surface, some illnesses are the cause of some people’s stress. Relieving these symptoms can undoubtedly greatly reduce the progression of stress to anxiety.
However, CBD can do much more than that. It interacts with receptors that regulate fear and any anxiety-related behavior. It is through this mechanism that CBD exerts its anti-anxiety effects. Its potential to treat or suppress anxiety symptoms is very promising, especially when you consider that it has no anxiety-promoting effects at high doses.
There are several types or forms of depression:
severe depression
Persistent depression (persistent depression)
Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Depressive psychosis (psychotic depression)
Perinatal depression (major depression with perinatal episodes or postpartum depression)
Premenstrual anxiety (PMDD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (seasonal major depression)
Situational depression
atypical depression
Similar to treating anxiety symptoms, CBD can also treat many depressive symptoms. Depression can be — chronic pain and stress from other illnesses and more. Cannabis, especially THC, CBD, and other compounds such as terpenes, can provide relief (Li et al.) and prevent or relieve depression. The potency and duration of its antidepressant properties largely depend on the chemical type of the weed strain.
However, THC is not an impossible problem to solve. For example, it can have psychological effects that alter perception and hinder cognitive and motor function. Fortunately, isolating CBD has not completely diminished its ability to improve mental health. For example, one study showed antidepressant effects similar to those of imipramine (Zanelati et al.).
In conclusion, CBD seems to have two benefits. First, it helps indirectly by relieving pain, stress, and other symptoms that lead to anxiety or depression. Second, it has anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. For one in eight Canadians who will experience severe depression at some point in their lives, CBD may be a source of relief. sleep
Adequate sleep is not only necessary for the body to regenerate cells. It’s also important for mental health. However, as these numbers show, not everyone is lucky.
In Canada, the number of sleep deprived people by age group is as follows:
1 in 4 18-34 year olds
1 in 3 35-64 year olds
A quarter of people are aged 65-79
In addition to depression and other mental health problems, lack of sleep can also lead to:
diabetes
heart attack
heart failure or stroke
Impaired immunity
Decreased libido disorder
Fat
Lack of sleep can be caused by sleep disorders such as insomnia. It may also be due to symptoms of illness such as stress and pain. Of course, the sedative effects of CBD can alleviate some of the underlying causes. A study on the efficacy of CBD in improving sleep and anxiety yielded impressive results (Shannon et al). After the first month of taking CBD, anxiety scores decreased in 79% of participants. Sleep scores improved in 66% of the participants.
CBD offers mental health benefits.
Arguably, there is currently a lack of research on the use of CBD in medical conditions and possible treatments for mental illness. While a lot of research has been published, quite a few of them involve animal experiments. However, more research is underway, including randomized clinical trials, which will provide more convincing evidence.
While waiting for more scientific evidence on the efficacy of CBD, there are enough signs that it can provide some relief. As many people can attest, CBD helps them cope with anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping.
Even if they do not suffer from mental illness, medical patients can benefit from many other features of mental illness. – Pain relief is one of them. For casual consumers, its calming effects can promote positive mental health by reducing stress. What’s more, when you get these benefits, you hardly need to worry about any side effects.
Should I use CBD?
One thing you should keep in mind is to buy CBD oil from a reputable cannabis supplier. Only through them can you get the exact extract shown on the label, free of impurities and contamination.
