CBD has demonstrated its effectiveness at improving mood and relieving anxiety and depression symptoms by acting upon receptors and brain pathways associated with these emotions.
One small experiment demonstrated that people given CBD prior to a simulated public speaking exam experienced less nervousness. But more research needs to be conducted.
1. Reduces inflammation
CBD reduces inflammation by activating TRPV1 receptors found throughout the body. CBD interacts with these receptors without binding to them directly and creating an unpleasant high; rather, its activation desensitizes their signaling pathway that creates pain or other forms of inflammation responses.
CBD also helps combat oxidative stress by inhibiting MAPK activation and phosphorylation, via its interaction with A2A receptors regulating expression of genes related to cell response to oxidative stress.
CBD may help those suffering from psoriatic arthritis as it reduces inflammation that leads to painful skin patches. According to one recent study, patients taking CBD experienced decreased pain, stiffness and symptoms associated with their condition.
CBD may help treat sleep disorders like narcolepsy, which involves interruptions to breathing during sleep; though research into its benefits remains in its infancy. Furthermore, CBD can reduce anxiety levels which could also aid better restful slumber.
2. Helps with sleep
CBD has been shown to assist with sleep by decreasing anxiety and making it easier to drift off quickly. Furthermore, research suggests it may increase deep sleep quality while decreasing early wakefulness.
One way CBD may assist in treating insomnia is as a serotonin precursor, raising levels of this feel-good hormone in your body. Another potential mechanism involves blocking activity of the cytochrome P450 enzymes found in liver tissue to breakdown drugs or toxins.
CBD has shown promising results for treating anxiety or depression in small studies. One such research paper in Neuropsychopharmacology found that CBD significantly reduced social anxiety during simulated public speaking events among people living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Before using CBD products for anxiety or sleep, be sure to speak to your physician first and select items manufactured in the U.S. that follow a good manufacturing practice for pharmaceuticals or dietary supplements (an FDA voluntary standard). When buying CBD, check for a certificate of analysis to confirm its potency; avoid edible products like candies and cookies in favor of sprays and tinctures held under your tongue for 60 to 120 seconds for optimal absorption.
3. Relieves pain
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to relieve pain, decrease anxiety and stress levels and enhance mood. But it’s essential that you know exactly how much CBD you should take and whether there are any drugs or supplements which may interfere with its effects.
There may be benefits in using cannabis for pain management, including nerve pain (also called neuropathy). People living with HIV often turn to cannabis to relieve neuropathic discomfort related to shingles or diabetes; additionally, cannabis may help ease muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis but researchers need further evidence.
CBD does not appear to increase appetite or alter respiration or heart rate, making it unlikely to be addictive. However, CBD may interact with certain medications and cause drowsiness or dizziness; additionally it could raise coumadin blood levels which is used to prevent blood clots – and the FDA has even approved one made from CBD for treating seizures associated with epilepsy.
4. Reduces anxiety
CBD exhibits broad-spectrum anxiolytic properties and exhibits a bell-shaped dose-response curve in animal anxiety models. The primary mechanism behind its anxiolytic effects are 5-HT1ARs; its benefits can include decreased autonomic arousal, inhibition of fear expression and enhanced extinction learning/reconsolidation blockade as well as long-term stress prevention (via hippocampal neurogenesis).
CBD helps increase serotonin levels, which reduce feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, CBD interacts with CB1 receptors located within the amygdala to further ease tension while encouraging relaxation.
CBD may be beneficial to those suffering from social anxiety disorder. According to one small experiment, it reduced anxiety while improving performance in a public speaking task simulation. Furthermore, it has been shown to reduce anticipatory anxiety induced by single-photon emission computed tomography imaging (SPECT) procedures in healthy volunteers; moreover it reduces rCBF in limbic areas including amygdala and hippocampus without impacting striatum or hypothalamus as one mechanism contributing to its anxiolytic actions.
