CBD Oil for Mental Health: Is it Worth Trying Out?
It is believed that in any given year 1 in 5 Canadians will experience an episode of mental illness or distress. Mental illness does not discriminate, it affects peoples of all ages, education levels, income levels, and cultures. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, it is believed that approximately 8% of Canadian adults will experience major depression at one time or another in their lives and that about 1% of Canadians will experience an intense episode of bipolar or manic depression.
Why Try CBD Oil For Mental Health?
Research shows that cannabinoids like THC and CBD may present a novel treatment for certain mental health disorders. Its anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects make it a versatile treatment for many symptoms of mental illness. Additionally, CBD does not produce mind-altering effects and will not disorient you or get you high. It is a flexible treatment that can be consumed at any time of the day or night without worry.
Moreover, CBD is a relatively safe method of treating mental disorders. CBD exhibits very few side effects and several studies have found it to be tolerable in human trials. Mental disorders are often treated with pharmaceutical medications that can cause a range of unwanted side effects including drowsiness, agitation, and insomnia. Additionally, commonly prescribed anxiety medications like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse.
If your regular medication is causing you to experience unpleasant side effects, or display addictive behavior, then consider talking to your doctor about CBD. CBD can be used in conjunction with other medications to produce more profound therapeutic effects and treat symptoms more thoroughly.
What Does the Science Say?
In order for cannabinoids to produce their effects, they must interact with cell receptors inside of the body’s inner endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research shows that the ECS plays a role in the “etiology and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder”.
CBD has shown promise in the treatment of a range of anxiety and stress disorders. A 2014 review of animal studies found that CBD exhibited anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects in test subjects. However, many of these effects have also been observed in human subjects. A study from 2011 placed people suffering from social anxiety disorder (SAD) in public speaking situations after dosing them with CBD. Researchers observed that “pretreatment with CBD significantly reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort” in their speech performance.
Research indicates that CBD may also be able to treat symptoms of depression. A recent animal model study from 2016 found that CBD “exerts fast and maintained antidepressant-like effects.” In addition, it found that CBD significantly increased levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is known for producing feelings of wellbeing and happiness.
