CBD can be found in various products — lotions, oils, gummies, vapes and more — but more rigorous scientific studies must be completed in order to prove its efficacy against various conditions.
CBD can be prescribed to treat seizure disorder (epilepsy). Additionally, it may help with anxiety, pain management, dystonia and mood disorders; more research needs to be conducted before definitive conclusions are drawn.
Stress
CBD may help relieve stress by balancing your body’s endocannabinoid system – an organic system responsible for controlling stress responses – in a natural way. Anxiety and depression may alter this balance of endocannabinoids levels, so it is wise to discuss CBD for anxiety or mood disorders with your physician prior to beginning therapy with it.
Studies demonstrate the ability of CBD to both decrease anxiety and enhance mood, as evidenced by its publication by Nature 2022 in which participants who took CBD before an edifying public speaking exercise reported less anxiety than those who did not take the supplement beforehand.
CBD increases CB1 and CB2 receptor activity, inhibits FAAH, and activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma – all which help reduce neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity during stress responses. Furthermore, CBD binds serotoninergic 5-HT1A receptors for anxiety reduction while simultaneously decreasing stress-associated behaviors and heart rates.
CBDistillery’s research revealed that individuals using broad spectrum products reported greater stress reduction ratings compared to those using isolate products for both 30- and 60-day regimens, suggesting more controlled clinical trials are necessary to understand how cannabinoids such as CBD interact synergistically for stress relief.
Sleep
Sleep is essential to overall health, and CBD’s soothing properties may help facilitate restful slumber. People struggling with insomnia can especially benefit from its use, as CBD has been found to ease anxiety that makes sleeping difficult. Even those experiencing nightly pain relief could find respite with CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects helping regulate the sleep-wake cycle and aiding restful slumber.
If you’re curious to try CBD for sleep, look for products containing additional ingredients like melatonin that may help you fall asleep more quickly and remain asleep throughout the night. Studies have demonstrated that CBD may also prevent nightmares associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are known to interfere with restful slumber.
CBD sleep products often include other soothing ingredients like valerian root, chamomile, lemon balm, passionflower hops (the kind used to make beer) and L-theanine that may aid in relaxation and promote restful restful sleep. While these supplements may be sold individually as sleep aids, their effects tend to be maximized when mixed together with CBD for maximum effectiveness.
Digestive Health
CBD may help to lower inflammation levels and alleviate pain related to indigestion, while constipation and diarrhea symptoms. Consult with a gastroenterologist in order to find out the optimal dosage of CBD for your specific symptoms and conditions.
CBD has also been found to reduce cortisol levels, which contributes to stress levels that lead to sleeplessness and poor diet. A lower cortisol level can promote better metabolism and weight management.
CBD should be consumed orally via tablets, gummie or tinctures administered with droppers. Inhaling CBD via vaporizer pens may also be possible but this should only be attempted by those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. When used correctly and as recommended, CBD tends to be well tolerated and safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women alike – though always check that any products you purchase come equipped with an NSF International certification prior to purchasing them.
Mental Health
People can use CBD oil to alleviate anxiety and depression symptoms, but it’s wise to first consult a medical provider. A doctor will be able to advise whether CBD is safe for you to take and how much should be taken. Furthermore, inform them if any other medications you’re currently taking – CBD may interact with some drugs which could hinder its effects.
CBD interacts with over 65 receptors in your brain, some of which regulate serotonin levels – an essential chemical for mood regulation. Some research indicates it could have antidepressant effects by increasing serotonin production while also slowing its degradation (anandamide is thought to provide relief in terms of natural antidepressant effect).
CBD has been widely researched as a treatment option for various psychiatric disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD) and tics. Studies have shown it to reduce cravings associated with substance use disorders while potentially treating alcohol use disorder as well. Furthermore, CBD and its analogue nabiximols have been demonstrated to alleviate psychotic symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients by raising anandamide levels (Leweke et al. 2012).
