CBD Oil for Depression – Will Cannabis Oil Help My Depression?

By: Dr. Ron Goedeke

The cannabis plant has been used for millennia for its medicinal properties, as it provides great benefits in the treatment of various medical conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis that lacks the psychoactive effects associated with other substances present in cannabis such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Because of this, it is legally marketed and sold over the counter without a prescription in many countries around the world. Several studies have shown that CBD is able to alleviate the symptoms of many diseases, including depression, making it one of the most popular supplements right now.

Depression is a mental illness that affects more than 350 million people worldwide, that is, 5% of the world’s population. In addition, 20% of people with depression also develop psychotic symptoms.

Many people are using drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors to relieve the symptoms of depression, however, these treatments could lead to serious side effects. Several studies have proposed the use of products with CBD oil, infusions, and patches as an alternative method for the treatment of depression.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a set of compounds found in cannabis, which can be obtained directly from the plant or synthetically manufactured for its use in various ways.

Currently, about 400 natural compounds of this plant have been isolated and identified, of which around 100 have a chemical structure of a cannabinoid and have therapeutic benefits.

The two main cannabinoids are THC, the main psychoactive compound of the cannabis plant, and CBD, which has vary fewer psychoactive properties and is responsible for the main therapeutic

Cannabinoids exert their pharmacological effects by activating specific cellular receptors (CB1 and CB2). CB1 receptors are spread through the central nervous system (brain, cerebellum, and hippocampus).

The activation of this type of receptor modulates the release of numerous neurotransmitters that play a role in the stabilization of the individual’s mood.

CB2 receptors are distributed in spleen, tonsils and different cells of the immune system. This type of receptor is mainly linked to the immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoids.

The activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors gives rise to multiple effects which depend on the type of receptor and organ in which they act. Cannabinoids have been used mainly in the following clinical conditions: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.

What is depression?

Nowadays, stress is part of our daily life, representing in some cases a factor for the development of depression.

Depression is defined by the World Health Organization as a frequent mental disorder, characterized by the presence of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or lack of self-esteem, sleep or appetite disorders, feeling tired and lack of concentration.

Most scientists agree that depression is caused by the reduction of the levels of various neurotransmitters in our brains, such as dopamine and serotonin. This imbalance affects the functioning of the neurons of the central nervous system causing the typical symptoms of depression.

The diagnosis of depression requires patients to be willing to talk to a health professional about their experiences and describe precisely how they feel. Depressed people often feel that they are not sick, or that there is no treatment for their condition, which we now know is absolutely false.

What are the benefits of using CBD to treat depression?

Several scientific studies have shown that CBD oil increases serotonin levels in the central nervous system. Once serotonin levels are restored, multiple physiological mechanisms are put in place that helps relieve depression and anxiety.

In addition, some clinical studies show that CBD can stimulate the development of the hippocampus, thus triggering the creation of new neurons. This situation, also known as neurogenesis, is of great help in reducing the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The use of CBD oil reduces the inflammation of the central nervous system and prevents a decrease in dopamine levels, which helps to stop the progression of symptoms. CBD oil also benefits patients suffering from depression by promoting restful sleep.

Several trials have indicated that the CBD has a symbiotic relationship with the body and allows improving the mental health of patients.

CBD oil

CBD oil is an effective way to administer a daily dose of cannabidiol and is typically mixed with a carrier oil such as extra virgin olive oil or hemp oil, plus a base of pure CBD paste previously extracted from the plant. The bottle usually incorporates a dropper that allows you to control the amount of CBD consumed.

A quality CBD Oil should be completely natural and should not contain synthetic chemicals. They should be kept away from heat, and from light, in a cool place to maintain their original composition and potency.

How can I use CBD oil to treat depression?

Most people take CBD through a dropper under the tongue and some just mix it into food, whichever works best for you is fine. When it comes to finding the right dose, it is important to understand the body’s reaction to CBD can vary hugely from one individual to another.

The dose may vary depending on the concentration of the CBD oil used and on how long someone has been taking it for. On average, 25mg of CBD per day is effective for most people but it is recommended to start with low doses around 5mg per day and gradually increase it until the symptoms improve.

This process is different in each patient and should be monitored by a health professional. Obviously, the dose is the decisive factor to maintain an effective and balanced treatment against depression using CBD.

What are the side effects of CBD?

Although CBD is considered safe, a small percentage of people may experience some side effects, which include nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, change in appetite, and dry mouth. However, the symptoms are rare and not as serious as those caused by conventional medications used to treat depression.

Author Bio

Dr. Ron Goedeke, specialises in alternative and functional medicine and sees huge medical potential in cannabis based extracts . With over 20 years of experience in the anti-aging field, Dr. Ron Goedeke is recognized as one of New Zealand’s leaders in this new and growing field of medicine.