Cannabis has long been known to have a range of effects on the mind and body, but the exact mechanisms behind these effects have been largely unknown. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the main compounds found in cannabis and is known to have a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction can help to positively alter mood and combat depression, but does not cause any personality changes. CBD hemp oil is made from hemp that is high in CBD and low in THC, meaning it does not cause any psychoactive effects.
However, it does interact with the body's cannabinoid receptors, which can affect the body in various ways. It has been found that cannabis strains with high levels of THC and low levels of CBD can cause increased psychiatric effects such as paranoia, anxiety and addictive behaviors. This is because THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis and is responsible for causing a “high” which can lead to mood changes. CBD, on the other hand, does not cause any psychoactive effects and has many medical benefits. Nine double-blind, placebo-controlled studies investigated the acute effects of CBD on brain function in healthy volunteers and patients after CBD administration showed a tendency toward a greater decrease in the median total PANSS score compared to those who received a placebo. CBD has been found to help with conditions such as migraines, mental confusion, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
It can also help to reduce the number of fluctuations in the skin's conductance response, a physiological measure of emotional response. In addition, it has been found to attenuate activity bilaterally in the posterior lobe of the cerebellum during the presentation of faces of intermediate fear. The receptors affected and the parts of the brain that are affected vary from person to person depending on factors such as previous drug use and genetic makeup. One of these molecular mechanisms may involve the ability of CBD to directly inhibit the reuptake of anandamide. In conclusion, CBD does not cause any personality changes but can help to positively alter mood and combat depression. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body which can affect various conditions such as migraines, mental confusion, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
Future research should focus on long-term treatment with CBD of patients with a psychiatric disorder in combination with neuroimaging evaluations.
