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CBD, also known as a Cannabidiol, refers to the chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD is said to interact with the neuroreceptors in the endocannabinoid system and helps regulate mood, homeostasis, movement and the immune system.
CBD is usually used by being applied topically or consumed through smoke inhalation or as edibles. Medical experts and researchers as well as numerous studies have claimed that CBD has a positive and lasting effect in treating anxiety, depression and PTSD in individuals.
However, the chemical hasn’t been legally cleared globally to be taken for anxiety relief so why exactly is it a go-to-medication for those suffering from said symptoms? Here’s how CBD helps those with anxiety and PTSD, as per science journals and research papers and the safety methods recommended for using it.
CBD’s most popular effect is said to be its ability to calm anxiety and depression in an individual. A study conducted by the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry in 2017 showed that 300 milligrams of CDB can significantly reduce anxiety in a person; on the other hand, 600 milligrams can worsen the effect and individuals can experience more anxiety instead of reducing it.
In mice trials, CBD seemed to have a similar calming effect on depression and acts similarly to the antidepressant imipramine. This theory still has to be tested out on humans to see if CBD can induce the same antidepressant reaction in human bodies.
Another study conducted in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine tested the effect of CPD on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with routine psychiatric care for eight weeks. Out of 11 of the tested patients, ten of them showed a decrease in their PTSD symptoms. The researchers concluded that CBD can calm the effects of psychological trauma to a certain degree.
While CBD is tested to have positive impacts on anxiety and depression, researchers and healthcare professionals have yet to establish standardized dosing recommendations for CBD therapy, as per Medical News Today.
So far, the CBD administration methods include:
- Oil – comes in dropper bottles which can be consumed by the mouth.
- Sublingual spray – these come in bottles that can be sprayed into the mouth.
- Capsules – often in the form of tablets and gels which can be consumed like a pill.
- Edibles – for those who like some taste, CBD also comes as chewables with sweet or fruity flavors.
- vaporized oil or cannabis flowers – can heat CBD oil without igniting it and use it as inhalable vapor while flowers are dried hemp plants that are ignited and smoked
The method of taking CBD will also determine how fast it will go into effect. For example, orally administered CBD such as oils, edibles or capsules is said to be begin working within anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours which will help keep anxiety at bay throughout the day while vaping or inhalation the vapors can give an almost immediate relaxation which can help those taking part in stressful events such as importing meetings or speeches.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) CBD is generally a well-tolerated substance. While CBD alone is said to be risk free, it can cause side effects when taken with other medications. As per the 2019 review Trusted Source some people taking CBD can experience side effects that include drowsiness, decreased appetite, diarrhea and changes in weight. That said, these side effects are less common and are outweighed by the advantages gained by taking CBD.
WORDS: Ameena Navab
IMAGE CREDIT: Elsa Olofsson. (Check out the original image.)
