CBD may help ease symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease such as tremor, mood and sleep disturbances. Studies suggest it increases sleep quality but there is no rigorous RCT evidence supporting this claim.
Preclinical studies demonstrate the anxiolytic properties of CBD. A single oral dose (600 mg) provided to healthy volunteers led to decreased blood pressure and anxiety associated with neuroimaging changes in limbic brain regions [58], enhanced cognitive responses to stress and increased consolidation of extinction learning in PTSD patients [58].
Mood Enhancement
CBD works with the brain’s endocannabinoid system to regulate anxiety and mood. It has an anxiolytic effect by blocking anandamide hydrolysis while stimulating transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2 as well as serotonin 1A receptors – these actions make CBD highly anxiolytic.
Studies on humans have demonstrated how CBD can alleviate a range of mood symptoms, such as depression and stress. According to one research project, people using CBD as part of an integrative treatment plan had lower depression rating scale Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores and better overall mental health.
Another study demonstrated how CBD increases serotonin in the brain and allows our bodies to produce more of this natural antidepressant, helping veterans reduce symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
But these studies lacked detail regarding frequency, product kind or usage onset that can have an effect on outcomes. Furthermore, several of these individuals were taking other medications which may have created medication interactions.
Pain Relief
Pain is one of the primary drivers behind using medical cannabis. Studies show that CBD may help ease chronic discomfort by reducing inflammation and altering how your brain perceives pain signals. Furthermore, CBD can be used to treat various ailments including arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines and more.
Neuropathic pain arises when nerves or the nervous system become damaged, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling and sharp or burning pain in your nerves and nervous system. It is found in diseases like multiple sclerosis as well as herniated discs – studies indicate that using Sativex CBD oil spray reduces this neuropathic discomfort from MS and spinal cord injury patients.
A small 2019 study suggested that combining CBD and THC could be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Before turning to cannabis as a solution for pain management, however, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider first as its use may not be suitable for everyone and interact with certain medications – they will be able to advise on safe dosage and dosing schedule.
Sleep Support
CBD may not produce an “high,” but it does provide sleep-inducing benefits when taken before bedtime. Studies indicate that CBD helps people fall asleep faster and remain sleeping throughout the night.
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a neurochemical network which impacts our emotions, pain levels and sleep cycles. FDA has approved CBD to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome – forms of severe childhood epilepsy which don’t respond to conventional treatments – reducing seizures while improving sleep for those affected.
Other research has demonstrated how CBD may promote sleep by relieving anxiety and chronic pain – two common factors contributing to insomnia. Yet more study needs to be conducted in order to fully comprehend how CBD may directly benefit sleep. Furthermore, speaking to your physician before embarking on any CBD regimen is key; they’ll assess if it suits you before providing you with products with suitable doses and delivery methods.
Mental Health
Therapeutic CBD for mental health disorders has become more widely utilized. Psychiatrists should recognize this trend and inform their patients of both its potential benefits and risks associated with its usage as an approach.
Recent survey of people using CBD for self-treating depression showed that most reported improvement. The exploratory cohort study included 90 participants who completed basic sociodemographic questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessments.
Studies involving CBD and nabiximols demonstrate evidence of benefit for cannabis-related disorders, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with coexisting conditions like Tourette syndrome and social anxiety disorder, psychosis in Parkinson’s disease as well as insomnia, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moderate recommendations of CBD or nabiximols were made for these conditions with weaker recommendations being issued for insomnia, bipolar disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additional research with larger sample sizes including detailed product and dosage used will provide better guidance.
