Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks in part to a growing body of research into its potential health benefits, which may include treating depression. The initial results of some studies into CBD and depression look promising.
CBD is one of more than 100 compounds called cannabinoids. These occur naturally in the cannabis plant.
While CBD is similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two compounds act differently in the body. THC is responsible for the feelings of euphoria, or the “high,” that a person experiences while using cannabis.
CBD does not have these effects on the body — it does not cause a high or feelings of euphoria.
In this article, learn about the potential for CBD to help relieve the symptoms of depression. CBD may not be right for everyone, and there are some other things to consider before using CBD treatment for any condition.
CBD for depression
Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental health conditions that can have lasting effects on a person’s health, social life, ability to work, and overall well-being.
A doctor may prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help a person treat or manage depression. Many of these drugs have difficult side effects, such as mood swings, sleeplessness, and sexual dysfunction.
CBD has shown promise in initial studies as a treatment for both depression and anxiety, and it may cause fewer side effects in some people.
The findings of research from 2014Trusted Source may help explain why CBD could be useful in treating depression. They indicate that, in most studies, CBD appears to have a positive interaction with serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin impacts a range of functions in the body, including a person’s emotional state and feelings of well-being or happiness. Keeping serotonin levels balanced is often a key therapy for people with depression.
What the research says
Testing in animal models has provided some evidence for the use of CBD to help treat depression.
According to the authors of the 2014 review, results from a variety of studies indicate that CBD appears to act as an antidepressant and antianxiety compound in animal models of depression.
Authors of a review from 2018Trusted Source also noted that many studies have shown the anti-stress and antidepressant activity of CBD in animal models.
The compound exhibits a clear anti-stress effect after short- or long-term use. In certain tests, CBD acted as an antidepressant.
The authors also found that the compound worked without activating the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors directly, which may indicate that there is less risk of CBD becoming habit-forming, or addictive.
Researchers have even studied CBD’s potential to help reduce cravings in people with opioid use disorder.
In a study from 2018, researchers indicated that CBD has promise as a fast-acting antidepressant.
Most researchers conducting animal studies of CBD call for more direct research in humans, but their initial results are an essential step toward establishing how CBD works in the body.
CBD for panic and anxiety
Some studies in humans show that CBD may be useful for other issues commonly associated with depression, such as anxiety or panic disorder.
A 2017 reviewTrusted Source of the potential benefits of CBD for panic disorder found some positive results.
According to the authors, panic disorder affects approximately 5 percent of the worldwide population and causes unexpected and recurring panic attacks.
In human models, a single dose of 300 milligrams (mg) of CBD caused a notable decrease in anxiety levels after a simulated public speaking test, according to one study in the review.
Another found that 600 mg of CBD caused a significant reduction of anxiety measures in people with social anxiety disorder.
Side effects
Taking CBD orally, inhaling it, or using it topically does not appear to cause side effects.
However, if a person is sensitive to the compounds in CBD, they may experience:
CBD can also interact with a range of medications and increase liver toxicity. The CBD product Epidiolex, which has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, carries a warning about the risk of liver problems among people who use it.
Researchers tested Epidiolex on mice in a 2019 study in the journal Molecules. They found that the mice receiving higher doses developed liver problems within a day.
Although the results of a rodent study may not translate directly to the human body, they do demonstrate that a product being natural does not necessarily mean that it is completely safe in high doses.
Anyone considering using CBD should speak to a doctor about existing medications to check for any interactions. CBD may interact with certain over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, as well as prescription medications.
Prescribed drugs that warn against consuming grapefruit warrant particular cautionTrusted Source when taking CBD.
How to use it
Many people choose to take CBD orally, using various tinctures, capsules, and oils.
CBD may be most effective when a person uses it regularly.
There does not appear to be a risk of developing an addiction to CBD, so long-term use may be safe for most people.
The FDA have not approved any nonprescription CBD products.
It is crucial to buy from reputable sources. Also, it is a good idea to check for third-party lab results that indicate the levels of CBD in any given product.
Marijuana derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but are legal under some state laws. Hemp derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal on the federal level but are still illegal under some state laws.
A person should check their state’s laws and those of anywhere they are traveling to.
It is important to remember that the FDA do not approve nonprescription CBD products. Labeling may not be accurate.
Summary
CBD is a potent compound that is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine.
While there is some promising evidence for the future use of CBD as an antidepressant, more research in humans is necessary to determine whether it is safe or effective.
Anyone interested in using CBD for depression or anxiety should speak to a doctor about how to use it and the risk of interactions with other medications.
