Can CBD help to alleviate depression symptoms? The answer is yes.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression affects an estimated one in 15 adults every year and one in six people at some time in their life.
Additionally, the World Health Organization reports depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015.
A huge number of Americans take antidepressants – but these drugs are not always effective. In fact, an estimated 33% of depression sufferers admit that medication does not offer relief. Moreover, it’s no secret that antidepressants can cause some fairly unpleasant side effects.
The good news is, every year more people are discovering that CBD oil is a natural option for alleviating their depression symptoms.
How CBD Can Help With Depression
CBD is one of the 60+ naturally occurring compounds found in all cannabis plants. Endocannabinoids are the molecules that act as chemical messengers in the “endocannabinoid system”. Our nervous system, which contains cannabinoid cell receptors, respond to cannabinoids and tell the body to do certain things.
The human body naturally produces its own cannabinoids with the help of fatty acids found in foods such as nuts, seeds and fish. The same receptors bind to the compounds found in CBD.
Research shows that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. This helps to regulate essential human functions such as sleep, appetite, mood, pain and pleasure.
CBD has the unique ability to influence brain activity and relieve the symptoms of depression.
Studies Show CBD To Be Effective
In one study, researchers found “ample evidence that endocannabinoids are important regulators of stress responses.”
During depression, plant cannabinoids such as CBD have the ability to regulate one’s response to stressful situations.
Additionally, the University of San Paulo has conducted pioneering research into CBD as an anti-depressant. They found that CBD directly activates the serotonin receptor, thereby resulting in an anti-depressant effect.
A 2016 study reported, “Our results demonstrate that CBD exerts fast and maintained antidepressant-like effects.”
The results coming out of Brazil support many of the other preliminary studies into CBD for treating depression and other mental health issues.
In an extensive literature review, it’s clear that CBD can minimize fear response and soothe symptoms of depression.
Another study demonstrated the antidepressant effects of CBD was comparable to that of Imipramine.
These are just a few examples of the potential of CBD to become an alternative for addressing mental health issues.
Finally, CBD case studies show a very clear connection between CBD and its use as an antidepressant.
Can Anybody Use CBD?
Anybody can use CBD for depression without fear. It is not a psychoactive substance, so there is no danger of getting “high” from it. There are also no adverse side effects when using CBD products.
Although there is still much research that needs to be completed, the early signs of CBD for depression are good. To date, there is no evidence that CBD is addictive or dangerous.
The fact that CBD is being be used as an effective treatment for depression is amazing. Antidepressants can be dangerous and addictive, but CBD oil is safe and almost instantaneously effective.
Imagine a scenario where the world’s most effective antidepressant is growing naturally all around us. This a reality for the thousands of people who already use CBD for depression.