Can CBD Help with Depression and Anxiety?

Today in the United States, anxiety is the most common mental illness, affecting just over 18% (1) of adults. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, half of the approximately 17 million (2) people diagnosed with depression also have some form of anxiety.

Many people who are seeking a natural therapy for their symptoms may wonder, would CBD (cannabidiol) help with depression? Is it effective for anxiety? There is a growing body of evidence highlighting the benefits of using CBD for depression and anxiety symptoms, with potentially fewer side effects (3) than standard medications.

Is CBD Effective Against Depression?

How Does CBD Relieve Anxiety and Depression?

CBD is a natural compound found in the hemp plant.  It is a primary compound of over 200 currently identified by researchers.  As time goes on and more research is being conducted, they are finding more cannabinoids and understanding more about to effects of each one and their combined effects, or Entourage effect.  It does not get you "high" because it is non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive compound. Its "job role" in your body is to make sure your health processes flow smoothly.

It does its job in a number of ways, including by limiting or enhancing the ability of different compounds to bind to key receptors, and by increasing the levels of certain healthy compounds. For instance, premium hemp CBD has been shown to inhibit the uptake and breakdown of a key signaling agent known as anandamide in order to boost its levels in your body.

Anandamide is sometimes called "the bliss molecule" because of its many positive mental health benefits. These can include: (4)

• Reducing anxiety

• Increasing your sense of wellbeing

• Better stress regulation

• Decreasing (5) depression symptoms

Premium CBD products also has been shown to elevate (6) levels of proteins called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Lower levels of BDNF have been linked (7) to depression.

In addition, CBD research reveals it can bind to (8) and as CBD for depression ncbi shows, activate (9) 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, which are known targets of anti-anxiety medication because they reduce fear and stress responses. Their activation releases serotonin, a chemical involved in (10) mediating anxiety responses and depression and increasing resilience to stress.

A 2018 Australian study (11) even highlighted how CBD for depression and anxiety shows promise for advancing new neuron formation in an area of the brain where neural atrophy has been linked (12) to depression.

Does CBD Really Help Depression and Anxiety?

Can CBD Help Mental Health?

Evidence continues to grow that this powerful plant-based, toxin free CBD products, compound has many beneficial effects on depression and anxiety symptoms.

In a December 2019 review (13) of case studies, it was determined that CBD "shows promise" for the treatment of social and generalized anxiety disorders, as well as for PTSD-related anxiety. An earlier review (14) found similar results, including for panic disorders. Moreover, the anxiety associated with sleep disorders was reduced by 79% (15) in patients taking part in a recent series of CBD case studies, within research targeting CBD for depression and mood.

While research on CBD and depression’s effects in humans is more limited, a 2018 study (16) found that participants using high dose or extra strength CBD combined with low dose THC had the biggest improvement in their depression symptoms. Earlier research (17) through CBD and depression pubmed also outlined CBD's anti-depressant properties via the compound's interactions with serotonin receptors, making cbd oil for mental health a topic well worth continued investigation.

How Much CBD to Help Depression?

The amount of CBD to take to help with your depression symptoms can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your weight, your metabolism, your specific type of depression, and the delivery method. In general, you can take 1-6 mg (18) of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.  But please make sure you are purchasing the highest quality CBD products from a trusted source like Eli Ruby.

It's always recommended to start at the lower end of this range and work your way up to a higher dose as needed. While premium hemp extracts have few side effects (19) and up to 1,500 mg (20) per day, CBD and depression pubmed, to has been shown to be well-tolerated, be sure to work with your healthcare practitioner before beginning a CBD schedule, especially if you're taking other medications.

How Long Does CBD Take to Help with Depression?

Typically, taking oral CBD products like CBD gummies, CBD capsules, and pure tincture CBD placed on top of your tongue helps the effects last longer, up to 6-8 hours, (21) as shown CBD and depression ncbi.  However, it will take a little longer for these effects to be felt, usually between 1.5-3 hours.(22) Repetitive, regular use of CBD (23) can also help maintain its therapeutic effects on your mind-body health longer showing great promise for cbd oil for mental health.

What is the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety?

How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety

In one of the CBD oil for anxiety case studies referenced above, premium hemp extract was administered 'sublingually', meaning under the tongue. Why is this important? When taken this way, the oil can be absorbed directly into your bloodstream for faster effects, usually within an hour. This means if you have an event or commitment coming up, such as a public speaking engagement, you can quickly get the benefits of CBD oil.

The great part of using CBD oil for anxiety is that it can also be placed on top of the tongue (oral use), which means it must be digested. As mentioned, although the effects of oral use come on slower, they're typically longer-lasting.

This dual way of using premium CBD products means it helps put control of your symptoms in your hands, based on your anxiety needs at the moment.

As far as CBD dosing goes, studies (24) have indicated that higher doses may be a good fit for cbd oil for anxiety which may work best for anxiety symptoms such as agitation, worry, and fatigue. This is why extra-strength CBD oil, (25) extra-strength CBD gummies, and extra-strength CBD capsules (26) can be great options for people living with the condition.  In addition, extra strength CBD Roll on has many benefits from a topical approach.

Are CBD Gummies Good for Anxiety and Depression?

Using CBD gummies for mental health is a popular way to get your daily dose of CBD.  Finding the highest quality CBD products in a CBD gummy or other consumption option is paramount in using CBD for depression and anxiety.

Like premium hemp CBD that's taken on top of the tongue, CBD gummies for anxiety and depression must be digested before you feel their effects. This makes them a great optio

n for anyone who is combating longer-term depression and anxiety symptoms because the toxin free CBD products tends to stay in your system longer.

What are the Best CBD Gummies for Depression and Anxiety?

That's a great question. In What are CBD Gummies?, (27) we outline what makes the best CBD gummies, no matter what condition you are treating. For example, you'll always want to look for CBD gummies that are third-party tested, organically grown, and are crafted with a health-boosting blend of ingredients.

For CBD for depression and mood, these healthy blends would include both CBD and other wellness-boosting elements of the hemp plant such as terpenes and cannabinoids that are known to bring on calm and relaxation.  Typically the highest quality CBD products have a fuller profile that includes these compounds and additional cannabinoids for humans and CBD hemp oil for pets.

For example, the terpene limonene that's found in lemons and limes has been scientifically shown (28) to assist people in managing their anxiety and depression symptoms. Likewise, the cannabinoid CBG was recently found (29) in a study of CBD for depression pubmed to help survey participants with these symptoms, and there's evidence (30) that it may work in a similar fashion as CBD on serotonin receptors to mediate depression, a test case for CBD for depression and mood.

Our certified vegan Lemon-Lime CBD + CBG Gummies (31) contain 25 mg of CBD per gummy, 5 mg of CBG, and lots of healthy limonene to help better manage your anxiety and depression both day and night. Their bursts of fruity flavor are a mouthwatering addition to your wellness routine, and the THC free CBD oil offers you a non-intoxicating, natural alternative therapy that doubles as an enjoyable, healthy snack.

Conclusion

The use of CBD for depression and anxiety has significant research behind it although more is always needed in human and long term benefits.  However the there is a strong test case supporting the value in cbd oil for mental health.  In addition to these benefits, CBD’s contribution as a natural sleep aid, sense of calm, anti-inflammatory properties, pain management are all things that assist in general well being and creating homeostasis.

 

Additional Sources:

https://psychcentral.com/depression/all-about-cbd-for-depression#does-it-help

 

REFERENCES:

1. ADAA Anxiety and Depression Association of America “ Facts and  Statistics"

2. ADAA Anxiety and Depression Association of America “Depression”

3. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials” Published: March 2, 2020 Authors: Christian Larsen and Jorida Shahinas

4. Be Brain Fit “Anandmide: Bliss Molecule for Happiness and Mental Balance”  Published: September 1, 2021 Author: Patrick Alban, DC

5. Frontiers in Pharmacology “Reviewing the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Depression” Published: December 6, 2021 Authors: Ines Gallego-Landin, Alba Garcia-Baos, Adriana Castro-Zavala and Olga Valverde.

6. Science Direct Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy “Emerging evidence for the antidepressant effect of cannabidiol and the underlying molecular mechanisms” Published: July 2019 Authors: Gabriela Pandini Silote, Ariandra Sartim, Amanda Sales, Amanda Eskelund, F.S. Guimarães, Gregers Wegener, Samia Joca 

7. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience “The Role of BDNF on Neural Plasticity in Depression”  Published: April 15, 202 Authors: Tao Yang, Zheng Nie, Haifeng Shu, Yongqin Kuang, Xin Chen, Jingmin Cheng, Sixun Yu, Huiying Liu

8. Project CBD “CBD and the Psychedic Receptor”   Published: March 11, 2018

9. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders” Published: October 12, 2015 Authors: Esther M. Blessing, Maria M. Steenkamp, Jorge Manzanares, Charles R. Marmar.

10. Cambridge Core “The role of serotonin in depression and anxiety” Published: April 16, 2020 Authors: JFW Deakin

11. University of Wollongong Australia | Faculty of Social Sciences “Prolonged Cannabidiol Treatment Effects on Hippocampal Subfield Volumes in Current Cannabis Users” Published: 2018 Authors: Camilla Beale, Samantha J. Broyd, Yann Chye, Mark M. Schira, Peter Galettis.

12. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Hippocampus in health and disease: An overview” Published: Dec 2012, Authors: Kujeet Singh Anand and Vikas Dhikav.

13. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders” Published: February 2020 Authors: Jessica W Skelley, Crystal M Deas, Zachary Curren, Jonathan Ennis

14. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders” Published: October 12, 2015 Authors: Esther M. Blessing, Maria M. Steenkamp, Jorge Manzanares, and Charles R. Marmar

15. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series” Published:January 7, 2019 Authors: Scott Shannon, MD; Nicole Lewis, ND; Heather Lee, PA; Shannon Hughes, PhD

16. Science Direct Journal of Affective Disorders “A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect”  Published: August 2018 Authors: CarrieCuttler, Alexander Spradlin, Ryan J.McLaughlin

17. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health "Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa”  Published: 2014 Authors: Alexandre R de Mello Schier, Natalia P de Oliveira Ribeiro, Danielle S Coutinho, Sergio Machado, Oscar Arias-Carrión, Jose A Crippa, Antonio W Zuardi, Antonio E Nardi, Adriana C Silva

18. CBD Awareness Project “CBD Dosage Guide” Published: April 4, 2019

19. Healthline “6 Health Benefits of CBD Oil — and a Look at Side Effects” Published: November 26, 2021 Authors: Jillian Kubala, MS, RD

20. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent”  Published: September 1, 2011  Authors: Mateus Machado Bergamaschi, Regina Helena Costa Queiroz, Antonio Waldo Zuardi, José Alexandre S Crippa

21. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health “Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics”  Published: June 2, 2009  Author: Marilyn A. Huestis

22. Daily CBD “CBD Bioavailability: What Does it Mean Why is it so Important?”  Published: January 7, 2022  Authors: Tracey Roizman

23. Healthcare Weekly “How long does it take for CBD to work?”  Published: August 24, 2021 Author: Iolanda Bulgaru

24. Eli Ruby Website Blog “5 Benefits of Extra Strength CBD Products”

25. Eli Ruby product | Best Extra Strength CBD Tinctures 2000 MG | Premium Hemp Extract Oil

26. Eli Ruby product | Extra Strength CBD Capsules | Full Spectrum

27. Eli Ruby website Blog “What are CBD Gummies?”

28. Terpenes and Testing Magazine “Limonene’s Effects on Anxiety and Depression”  Published: June 28, 2019  Author: Jason S. Lupoi, Ph.D.

29. NCBI US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health "Survey of Patients Employing Cannabigerol-Predominant Cannabis Preparations: Perceived Medical Effects, Adverse Events, and Withdrawal Symptoms” Published: September 27, 2021  Authors: Ethan B Russo, Carrie Cuttler, Ziva D Cooper, Amanda Stueber, Venetia L Whiteley, Michelle Sexton

30. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics “The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol”  Published: February 2021  Authors: Rahul Nachnani, Wesley M. Raup-Konsavage and Kent E. Vrana

31. Eli Ruby product | Flavored CBD Gummies | 25 mg CBD + 5 mg CBG