CBD and mental health

In recent years, it's a fact that mental health has gained relevance, especially in the wake of the 2020 pandemic. Millennials and Generation Z have managed to make their importance visible on digital platforms. Unresolved generational traumas, the demands of modern life, technological overstimulation, and the occurrence of a thousand political, economic, and social phenomena have unleashed a wave of psychological and psychiatric conditions. Anxiety and depression are increasingly common mental health issues. Therefore, today we tell you how CBD can help regulate these and other mental health conditions .

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD , is a chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike another well-known cannabinoid, THC, CBD lacks psychotropic properties, meaning it doesn't produce a "high" or euphoria. What CBD does do is interact with our body's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in regulating a wide variety of biological functions, including mood, stress, and sleep. This is the main reason why CBD and mental health are closely linked.

How can CBD help with mental health?

CBD products have become popular because they offer a wide range of benefits. Among them is the benefits this active ingredient offers for mental health care as a complementary treatment.

Anandamide production

Regular CBD consumption helps our brains produce anandamide, a neurotransmitter that provides a feeling of peace, happiness, and relaxation. It is synthesized in the brain in the same areas associated with memory, higher cognitive processes, motivation, and movement control, and has been found to reduce pain. Anandamide also helps form new connections between neurons, which facilitates thinking, learning, and memory processes. Low levels of anandamide in our body are linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression.

Serotonin production

CBD may positively affect serotonergic receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, and like anandamide, imbalances in serotonin levels are also associated with anxiety and depression. By acting on these receptors, CBD helps stabilize the levels of neurotransmitters necessary in our bodies for mental health .

Anxiety and CBD

One of the most studied uses of CBD and mental health is its effectiveness in reducing anxiety. Numerous studies have shown that CBD can help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CBD acts on serotonergic receptors in the brain, which are linked to mood and anxiety regulation .

CBD Mechanism of Action in Anxiety

Autonomic Nervous System Modulation: CBD may also influence the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's response to stress . CBD has been observed to reduce the body's response to stress, which could help prevent or reduce episodes of anxiety .

Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of anxiety disorders. CBD has proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting it may help reduce inflammation and, consequently, alleviate anxiety symptoms .

Depression and CBD

Depression is a disorder of emotions which manifests with symptoms such as sadness, anxiety , irritability, lack of motivation, insomnia , and suicidal thoughts. The neurobiology of depression is related to the modulation of serotonin and norepinephrine in our brain . Therapies such as CBD and other cannabinoids for depression may be helpful, as they stimulate the recovery of physiological balance or homeostasis in the brain.

CBD and Mental Health: Stress

Chronic stress is a common problem in modern society and can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health. CBD has been shown to have relaxing and regulating properties that can help reduce the symptoms of stress. Some studies suggest that CBD can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) in the body, which can contribute to an overall sense of calm and relaxation.

CBD Mechanism of Action in Stress

Reduction of Autonomic Nervous System Activation: Stress triggers the activation of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the "fight or flight" response. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic properties, meaning it can reduce the body's response to stress, promoting a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Interaction with 5-HT1A Receptors: CBD binds to 5-HT1A receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and anxiety . By targeting these receptors, CBD may help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of stress .

Inflammation Reduction: Chronic stress may be associated with inflammation in the body. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting it may help reduce inflammation and, therefore, the harmful effects of stress on the body.

Sleep and CBD

Quality sleep is essential for mental health, and lack of sleep can exacerbate serious conditions like anxiety and depression. CBD has gained popularity as a potential treatment for sleep problems like insomnia. Some research indicates that CBD may help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of relaxation that makes it easier to fall asleep.

Sleep disorders

Studies have found that CBD, in combination with other cannabinoids, represents a potential treatment for sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and nightmares related to post-traumatic stress disorder.

CBD Mechanism of Action on Sleep

Promotes circadian rhythm regulation: CBD may influence the circadian rhythm, which is the body's internal clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. By helping maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, CBD directly improves sleep quality.

Cortisol Regulation: Higher doses of CBD may also have sedative effects and increase sleep duration . This is because CBD can reduce nighttime cortisol levels, which ultimately helps reduce anxiety . 

Pain relief: CBD may also be helpful in relieving acute and chronic pain, which often interferes with sleep. By reducing pain, CBD may allow people to sleep more comfortably.

Important Considerations

If you're considering using CBD as a mental health treatment , it's essential to discuss it with a healthcare professional. Additionally, CBD product dosage and quality can vary significantly between brands, so it's important to do your research and choose a reliable product.

CBD has emerged as a promising compound in the field of mental health. Early findings suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety , alleviate depression, combat stress, and improve sleep . However, it's important to remember that CBD is not a miracle cure and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to mental health that includes medical care and other appropriate therapies. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any CBD treatment or making significant changes to your mental health routine.