Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural plant-based oil full of cannabinoids, and it has been gaining attention for its potential to help manage emotions. CBD is the least known child of the cannabis sativa plant, while its more famous brother, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the active ingredient in marijuana that catapults users to “be euphoric”. CBD does not produce any detectable subjective effects, and it does not make consumers feel high like THC. Research suggests that CBD helps prevent the breakdown of anandamide in our body, leaving us with a greater amount of the molecule of happiness and, as a result, we feel happier.
A comprehensive review of CBD also concluded that CBD activates 5-HT1 receptors, which has a direct impact on learned fear and phobias, implying that it can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cannabinoids play an important role in keeping our bodies balanced. Studies have found that CBD can help soften the sharper edges of intense emotions. If you're overwhelmed by particularly strong emotions, it's great to have a natural supplement that can help you stay on track.
If you're fighting fear, CBD can help your body relax and focus on other issues. The same applies to a whole range of emotions. When evaluating the brain healing potential of CBD oil, studies refer to the ability of CBD to protect living neurons (neuroprotection), help form new connections (neuroplasticity) and trigger the formation of new neurons (neurogenesis). Rodents seemed to adapt better to stressful conditions and showed less depressive behavior after taking CBD, according to a review published in the Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy.
It's not known exactly how CBD oil fights anxiety, but it's thought to work with a receptor in the brain called CB1. Like anti-anxiety medications, CBD activates serotonin receptors, which control a variety of neurological communications and increase brain neurogenesis. Smita Das, chair of the cannabis working group of the American Psychiatric Psychiatric Association's Council on Addiction Psychiatry, doesn't recommend CBD for anxiety, PTSD, sleep or depression. Due to their lack of regulation, approximately one in five CBD products contain THC, meaning they could cause a high. THC may increase anxiety rather than reduce it. The additional risk of taking CBD oil is that, even if the product contains traces of THC, you could test positive for marijuana in a drug test.
If you are taking an antidepressant or any other medication, be sure to check with your doctor before taking CBD oil. Since it's a fairly new and little-known product, it's important to learn everything you can about CBD oil for anxiety and depression and talk to your mental health provider before deciding to try it. Previous research found that less than a third of the 84 products studied contained the amount of CBD on their labels. Brad Ingram, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, spoke about all the wild uses of CBD today. If your emotions threaten to triumph from time to time, it may be worth checking if CBD can help you deal with them successfully. Cannabidiol and THC are just two of the plant's more than 100 cannabinoids.
THC is psychoactive and CBD may or may not be psychoactive; this is still a subject of debate. However, if used correctly and responsibly, CBD can provide a sense of calmness and allow you to see beyond what worries you - which may be just what you need to get up and take a refreshing walk or focus on the work at hand.
