CBD reduces anxiety across multiple animal models, such as the elevated plus maze (EPM) and Vogel conflict test (VCT), with effects dependent on CB1R activation and hippocampal AEA activation. Furthermore, CBD inhibits anticipatory anxiety during contextual fear conditioning paradigms while simultaneously improving extinction training.
Contrary to THC and direct CB1R agonists, CBD does not exhibit anxiety-inducing properties at higher dosage levels, suggesting unique mechanisms of action.
Anxiety
CBD, or cannabidiol (CBD), is a phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa that lacks the psychoactive effects associated with 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Preclinical studies have demonstrated anxiolytic properties in animal models. CBD modulates multiple mechanisms in the endocannabinoid system and may exert its anxiolytic properties through 5-HT1AR or transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 receptors (TRPV1).
CBD reduces experimentally-induced anxiety without altering baseline anxiety levels in healthy controls, improving fear extinction and blocking reconsolidation of fear memories. CBD may have therapeutic value for treating GAD, SAD, PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder with anxiety as the major clinical manifestation.
CBD has demonstrated anxiolytic effects in various animal and human models, including the elevated plus maze (EPM) and Vogel-conflict test (VCT). CBD reduced defensive immobility in response to boa constrictor snakes while prompting explosive escape in ETMs; its actions likely involved 5-HT1ARs; its time spent in cage decreased when tested using both models, suggesting decreased fear and anxiety likely through CB1Rs.
Depression
Depression is a severe mental health disorder that manifests itself by feelings of sadness and decreased interest in daily activities, as well as problems eating and sleeping. People suffering from depression often have suicidal thoughts or feel worthless and hopeless.
Depression can be treated through psychotherapy and medicines. Psychotherapy (also referred to as talk therapy) helps a person learn to cope with negative feelings and change behaviors that contribute to depression.
CBD has antidepressant properties and can help enhance mood. Its antidepressant effect stems from how CBD interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain – similar to turning up a light.
Epidiolex, a purified form of CBD approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat rare seizure disorders in patients two years old or older after three randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trials showed it successfully reduced seizures. If using alternative or complementary therapies such as CBD it is important to inform your healthcare provider.
Pain
CBD may help manage pain by binding to the endocannabinoid system and its pain regulation mechanisms, including functions like pain sensation. Furthermore, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Neuropsychopharmacology published a small experiment which demonstrated how CBD could effectively alleviate social anxiety in patients by decreasing nervousness and cognitive impairment during a four-minute simulated public speaking task. Furthermore, CBD was shown to relieve chronic neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves; one such medication in Australia called Nabiximols which contains both THC and CBD is available as Nabiximols 1:1 ratio is an option to do just this.
However, it should be remembered that current research on CBD and pain is limited. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions or unwanted responses when taking CBD. Therefore, before making CBD part of your pain management routine it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional first – they can offer personalized advice based on your health condition and medications taken.
Addictions
CBD in addiction recovery works to restore balance to parts of the brain that have been disrupted by drugs and alcohol use, specifically the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens – areas involved with decisions, emotional responses and reward systems that drug and alcohol can alter by stimulating production of neurotransmitters that provide feelings of euphoria; over time these substances begin relying on these substances for normal brain functioning.
Studies demonstrate that CBD reduces consumption, motivation and relapse rates among animal models of cocaine, alcohol and psychostimulant addictions. Furthermore, its action modulates their rewarding properties through 5HT1a receptors.
The body’s endocannabinoid system plays a central role in mood and stress regulation. CBD’s interaction with this system may help regulate these processes and ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids, opioids, cocaine, or stimulants like cocaine; additionally it may reduce anxiety associated with military-related injuries that often leads to chronic pain and can serve as an antidote to PTSD-related anxiety for veterans suffering chronic pain conditions.
