CBD is well known for its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. CBD has been linked to muscle regeneration, chronic pain relief, reduced nausea and vomiting, bone growth and anti-inflammation among dozens of other things.
Every day scientists are finding new ways that CBD can be used to treat different ailments. Unfortunately, many people get lost in the physical side of CBD benefits and don’t realize that it can help people on a psychological level as well.
How does it do this? Well, it’s a little bit complicated.
CBD is a cannabinoid compound produced by cannabis plants. While there are arguably more than 100 of these compounds in existence, there are a few in particular that are very beneficial to human life. CBD is one of these.
While it has been well documented that CBD can help with physical ailments, many scientists believe it can also help those battling with depression. The way it does this comes down to how CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the human brain.
The Underrated Endocannabinoid System
The body has an important, but often-underrated system called the endocannabinoid system. This system is how CBD and other cannabinoids interact with the human body. The endocannabinoid system isn’t very well known, because it was only discovered recently, in the 1990s. However, scientists are quickly discovering how important this system is for human life.
The endocannabinoid system is broken into two different parts, receptor type 1 (CB-1) and receptor type 2 (CB-2). These receptors interact with cannabinoids to help our bodies maintain homeostasis. CB-1 is directly linked to the nervous system, the brain, different organs, connective tissue and various glands. The CB-2 receptor is connected to the immune system and peripheral organs.
This system not only helps regulate basic bodily functions, it also directly effects the brain. These receptors help maintain a lot of key functions such as a person’s serotonin levels, appetite and sleep patterns, among other things. In other words, the way this system interacts with key systems can significantly alter how people think and feel.
The Endocannabinoid System and CBD
Now we’ve established that the endocannabinoid system helps maintain our body and mind. What does that have to do with CBD?
Well, the endocannabinoid system naturally produces compounds called “endogenous cannabinoids” that work alongside the body’s systems to keep everything working smoothly. These compounds are very similar to the cannabinoids, such as CBD, that cannabis plants create.
When plant-made cannabinoids (also called phytocannabinoids) interact with the endocannabinoid system they mimic the naturally occurring endogenous cannabinoids to affect the body in drastic ways. By connecting to the endocannabinoid system, CBD and other cannabinoids can alter how the body functions and reacts to certain situations.
For instance, in a stressful situation, if CBD is in the body, it can make the body send signals to the serotonin system to make you feel more relaxed. Or if you start to feel anxious, CBD can hop in and make the endocannabinoid system tell the brain to calm down, instead of freaking out and causing an anxiety attack.
Using CBD when you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed can help your body’s systems get back on track and give you some control.
CBD Products for Depression
While there are hundreds of CBD products out there, there are a few specifically made to help the brain fight mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
The first product we recommend is ECODROPS Boost. This CBD product is available as a tincture and is taken sub-lingually under the tongue. The creators of this product have done more than just provide a CBD oil – they infused vitamins, essential oils, terpenes and various nutrients to create a product that can help with pain relief and inflammation as well as mood disorders.
The tincture comes in a 30ml bottle and includes 1,500mg of CBD. It is recommended that users take it by applying between 3 and 10 drops beneath the tongue. Most people who use tinctures feel its effects between 15 and 45 minutes after application.
For those who enjoy smoking, the vape cartridge Vape Bright Thrive can work wonders for anyone suffering with depression or anxiety. The oil has a natural flavor and will work with a variety of vaporizers. When vaping CBD, up to 40% of the cannabinoids are absorbed into the body. Vape Bright’s soothing qualities and ingredients can help users overcome their daily worries and stresses.
Summary
There is a lot of research out there that points to the beneficial psychological effects CBD and other cannabinoids can have on the body. By working alongside the endocannabinoid system, these compounds can encourage the body and mind to keep functioning – even when dealing with debilitating stress and depression.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that while CBD is a great natural remedy, it is not a cure-all. If you are struggling with severe depression or anxiety it may be wise to seek out professional help.
Resources
Haj-Dahmane, S., & Shen, R.-Y. (2011). Modulation of the Serotonin System by Endocannabinoid Signaling. Neuropharmacology, 61(3), 414–420. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.02.016
Lu, H.-C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system. Biological Psychiatry, 79(7), 516–525. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028
Callén, L., Moreno, E., Barroso-Chinea, P., Moreno-Delgado, D., Cortés, A., Mallol, J., … McCormick, P. J. (2012). Cannabinoid Receptors CB1 and CB2Form Functional Heteromers in Brain. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 287(25), 20851–20865. http://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.335273
