Despite having more freedom than the last decade, the Farm Bill passed 2 years ago is still yet to bring forth concrete, reliable studies the CBD community can rely on. So far, what we know is that CBD has no known adverse side-effects, is a prescribed treatment for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (read more), and has yet to present other new discoveries in the human body. What is plausible and note-worthy, however, is its effects on the nervous system and mental health.
Depression is just second to anxiety regarding prevalence but bumps its way to first place when a fatality is discussed. Suicide with major depression as the underlying cause is more common than one might think. Especially now that the pandemic is still going on, taking care of our mental health is more important than ever. As therapists slowly become unavailable and isolation increases, an alternative should be in order.
The Main Ingredient
The organic supplement we’ll be discussing has Cannabidiol as its main ingredient. Cannabidiol—familiar to most as CBD—is just one of many compounds found in cannabis. However, what makes this phytocannabinoid isn’t so much as what it can do than what it can’t do. The unique thing about Cannabidiol is its inability to cause psychoactive effects on the user.
Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which can be found in abundance in marijuana, CBD is all-benefits without the controversial high. Cannabidiol companies like http://cheefbotanicals.com/ use are typically harvested from hemp because of its cannabinoid count—primarily THC and Cannabidiol—where the former is scarce, and the latter is copious. Of course, only reputable companies use high-quality hemp on top of that preference.
As for THC, they are one of the most avoided compounds in the cannabis strain. As mentioned above, they can cause psychoactive effects if used irresponsibly, and most of the time, it’s for recreation than medical use. If it’s the latter, the psychoactive effects still come through, unlike when you use CBD products.
Other than its inconvenience to everyday life, THC is also illegal in some states across the US. This adds to its notorious reputation, as the FDA has deemed it a schedule 1 substance. This means it’s a highly restricted substance that can land you in jail and cost you a hefty fine. In comparison, Cannabidiol is a schedule 5 drug—which means it’s a substance with little to no chance of causing dependence or addiction.
Benefits It Can Give To Mental Health Problems
Decrease Incidence Of Depressive Episodes
The number one mental health problem costing millions of lives in recent decades has always been depression. Although some go unrecorded, the number of cases each year is still alarming and continues to climb, especially after the pandemic and quarantine. As usual therapies and treatment become less accessible, people begin to search for a temporary albeit effective solution. The best out there stands to be Cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol helps in a way that mimics antidepressants. Through the ECS and CB1 receptors, it manipulates the way our body utilizes serotonin and other hormones affecting our mood. Although it doesn’t add to the existing hormones already present in our body, Cannabidiol makes sure that receptors’ sensitivity to these feel-good hormones is enhanced.
What’s another great thing about Cannabidiol acting as an antidepressant is its complete lack of side-effects. It is well-known these traditional medications cause unwanted symptoms such as increased appetite and weight gain, headaches, insomnia, decreased libido, and allergic reactions. These symptoms can be the main reason to stop their drug therapies, but with CBD delivering the same effect without dishing out negatives, it’s a win for most individuals.
The last benefit we find note-worthy is Cannabidiol, and it’s safe to use for people who fear addiction. It can’t cause the addiction that marijuana gives, nor does it develop dependence in the body like MAOIs. And although SSRIs also don’t cause dependence like MAOIs, they can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. The same can’t be said with Cannabidiol.
It Can Prevent Or Minimize Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety is another condition where a large chunk of the global population suffers from. It has seen an increase ever since the pandemic started, which is why information must be disseminated about Cannabidiol’s anxiolytic effects on the body. Like its antidepressant effects, it mainly affects the CB1 receptors (directly responsible for the nervous system).
Cannabidiol offers anti-anxiety effects just like its traditional drug counterpart, but in a natural way and with fewer side-effects and risks. By affecting the messages entering the amygdala—also coined as the emotional brain—Cannabidiol controls the incidence of anxiety and minimizes the severity of present attacks. It also offers a sedative-like effect that significantly contributes to the anxiolytic effect.
As for side-effects, anxiolytic medications are also infamously known for them. For example, Benzodiazepine users are advised to taper the drug instead of stopping it abruptly, as it can cause serious adverse effects, like epilepsy. It can also cause drowsiness, so users can avoid driving and other physical activities to prevent accidents. This becomes an inconvenience, especially when anxiety attacks happen in the middle of work.
With Cannabidiol, using it via vape or in pre-roll form can give almost instantaneous effects. You don’t have to worry about tapering, as Cannabidiol doesn’t cause dependence. Drowsiness is also ruled out, as this product isn’t as strong as benzodiazepines when causing drowsiness, although it can help insomniacs find rest and sleep.
