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The medical benefits of cannabis have been known to humanity for a long time now. Using cannabis compounds for medicinal purposes becomes more and more popular as the laws and society awareness changes.
Because of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, due to lockdowns and stress, many people started suffering from all kinds of mental illnesses. Statistics from late June 2020 show that 40% of adults in the United States are struggling with mental health issues.
There is a number of diseases CBD may be helpful with, but the most promising area is mental disorders. Some studies say that it holds the most promise in treating anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and epilepsy.
Here’s some information you may find helpful:
How CBD Works?
The human body naturally produces small amounts of endocannabinoids that work as neurotransmitters in the nervous system. As for now, scientists can’t tell exactly how they work, but they potentially play a role in regulating functions like:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Fertility
But what about CBD? It is theorized that, when ingested, it interacts with ECS and prevents them from breaking down. It allows them to have a more significant effect on the body.
CBD can be found in cannabis along with the substance called THC. This is the famous psychoactive compound that brings on the psychoactive effect that many patients prefer. In most countries, the use of cannabis with THC is illegal, but you can find oils, creams, and other products without it. CBD without THC is also legal in many places.
Forms of CBD
Cannabidiol may be found in a few different forms which allow people to use it in the most convenient way. The most popular are:
- Oils – they are the most effective way of taking CBD when it is hard to swallow pills. They are placed under the tongue with a dropper.
- Creams and lotions are the best for dealing with some skin conditions like eczema. They can also treat muscle and joint pains.
- Capsules and pills are commonly used for daily treatment. The downside is the time from ingestion to take effect, which may be longer than you would like.
- Edibles like gummy bears or cookies. They are tasty, cute, and discrete.
- Vaping – it’s a popular form of CBD consumption. Many people believe it’s more effective than traditional smoking, yet there’s a need for further research to assess the potential dangers of vaping CBD.
CBD and Mental Health Issues
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common problems in the modern world. It’s not only about the number of people suffering from it – the costs of therapy and meds are too so high, a lot of people just can’t afford it. Insurance doesn’t help with most cases as it covers only a small number of providers who are not accessible and is limited to a small number of visits. When people fail to find treatment in standard ways, they often turn to CBD for help.
But does it really work? The answer is not that easy. There aren’t enough studies to confirm it with 100% certainty, but the majority of them had shown positive results and suggested that the regular use of CBD can alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Depression
In most cases, depression is connected to low serotonin levels, and some antidepressants work by acting on the brain’s serotonin receptors. A 2014 animal study found that CBD may have an antidepressant-like effect. Most probably, CBD influences the brain response on serotonin levels and makes them more susceptible to it.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a form of anxiety triggered by a very stressful or terrifying event from the past. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks and intrusive memories. Most people affected with PTSD try to stay away from anything that may cause them to remember.
CBD may help when taken in addition to traditional treatment. It is shown that the proper dose of CBD taken while attending therapy sessions may causes a substantial reduction of symptoms. CBD oils applied to the skin may help with insomnia and nightmares.
Insomnia
Insomnia is mainly caused by anxiety, some medication, pain, caffeine, or just environmental factors like noise and light. As it was told before, CBD may help reduce stress, so it may help you sleep better. But what about the other causes? Research indicates that cannabinoid use soothes pain. By reducing chronic pains, you may potentially improve the quality of your sleep.
2014 research showed that CBD improved REM sleep behavioral disorder in four patients who have developed Parkinson’s disease.
Addiction
CBD for mental health is not only about depression and anxiety. CBD, has also been shown to reduce drug and alcohol cravings in addicts going through recovery.
One study showed that patients with a history of heroin abuse who took CBD solutions had reduced stress and drug cravings. This effect lasted even for a week after the last dose. Opioid treatments work as safer drug substitutions, but they don’t treat craving, and it is the most crucial part of the addiction cycle.
The Bottom Line
With various treatments available, CBD can potentially help manage symptoms of mental disorders and help with faster recovery. As you can see, research results have been promising, giving hope to many people suffering from various mental health issues. Even today, more studies are being conducted to find out more about CBD properties and their effect on human health.
If you are interested in cannabidiol treatment, contact your doctor or meet with a medical expert who specializes in cannabinoid therapeutics. Using any medical substances can be dangerous to your health. A doctor or medical professional is the best person to tell you how to use cannabidiol in the proper dosage for your condition.
