In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in research into CBDAs new studies uncover potential health benefits. Some studies have shown that CBD oil and other CBD-derived products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression.
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What is CBD?
Le cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis is sometimes called the marijuana plant because of its level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid. However, the difference is that CBD does not cause psychotropic effects like marijuana.
The endocannabinoid system is found throughout our bodies, helping to regulate a range of cognitive and physiological processes. Although highly complex, scientists have studied the role of this system in processes such as mood, appetite and sleep - keeping our bodies in balance and functioning normally.
The endocannabinoid system comprises a network of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. Phytocannabinoids (cannabinoids of plant origin such as CBD v THC) also automatically bind to these cells in a similar way and affect them in different ways, including supporting and maintaining a healthy state of mind and sleep patterns, as well as helping to relieve aches and pains after exercise or a tiring day's work.
What are the effects of CBD?
If you're considering using CBD for therapeutic purposes, it's important to understand that research into CBD is still limited. There have been many studies over the last decade, but most of them have been conducted on animals.
And so, The potential benefits of CBD for depression in humans is still largely speculative, and there are as yet no clinical studies on human patients.
However, current studies suggest that CBD appears to have some benefits for depression, particularly as a treatment:
- Anxiety
- Reduced cognition
- The discomfort of public speaking
THC and CBD may also be useful for conditions likely to be linked to depression, such as chronic pain.
Experts believe that the potential benefits of CBD for depression are linked to its positive impact on serotonin receptors in the brain. Low serotonin levels are thought to be linked to depression.
CBD doesn't necessarily increase serotonin levels, but it can influence the way chemical receptors in the brain react to serotonin already in your system.
A 2014 animal study showed that CBD's impact on serotonin receptors in the brain produced both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
A 2018 review of studies concluded that CBD had anti-anxiety effects, potentially reducing depression associated with anxiety.
Studies on CBD are still ongoing and new research and evaluations are published every year. As researchers begin to understand more and more about CBD and its potential benefits or concerns, information on how to best use these products will continue to evolve.
Comparison of CBD with antidepressants
When it comes to therapeutic effects on depression, CBD seems to have certain advantages over antidepressants.
Most antidepressants generally take a few weeks to start working. Whereas CBD works quickly and consistently against depression, as a 2019 animal study shows.
What's more, the CBD seems to cause fewer side effects than antidepressants. Common side effects of antidepressants include insomnia, impaired sexual function, mood swings and agitation. So far, studies have not shown CBD to cause similar problems.
Although CBD may offer certain advantages over antidepressants, it does not necessarily replace antidepressant treatment. Never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
Stopping your prescribed medication suddenly can lead to serious side effects. If you wish to stop taking antidepressants, work with your doctor to develop a plan for gradually reducing your dose.
Effects of CBD on anxiety
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and people with anxiety are more likely to suffer from depression. CBD appears to be beneficial for both conditions.
One study showed that people taking 600 milligrams (mg) of CBD had less anxiety than those taking a placebo. Another study using a lower dose of 300 mg also reduced anxiety levels.
Anxiety can also be linked to low serotonin levels, so CBD's effects on serotonin receptors may partly explain these beneficial effects.
Does CBD have side effects?
So far, CBD does not seem to cause many side effects. However, some people may be more sensitive and experience side effects such as :
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Changes in appetite
- One study has shown that taking CBD-rich cannabis extracts can cause liver toxicity in mice. However, some of the mice in this study received abnormally high doses of CBD.
It is difficult to say whether CBD causes long-term side effects, as there is still little research on this subject. So far, experts have not identified any major long-term risks associated with CBD use.
However, this does not mean that there are no risks at all. It simply means that researchers have not yet encountered any problems.
In a 2017 assessment, the World Health Organisation concluded that CBD was generally safe. They noted that side effects could be due to interactions between CBD and other drugs.
To minimise the risk of side effects, talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
This is particularly important if you're taking non-prescription drugs, herbal supplements and prescription drugs (especially those with 'grapefruit interaction warnings'). Both CBD and grapefruit have an impact on cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a group of enzymes important for drug metabolism.
Where can I find CBD in Switzerland?
If you want to try CBD, you'll need to find a reputable seller. CBD extracted from the marijuana plant is widely available in many areas. You can even find it in some health food shops. CBD extracted from cannabis can only be sold in medical establishments.
If you want to buy CBD in Switzerland, look for reputable and reliable brands. You can usually determine whether a brand is reputable by checking all the information provided on its website and customer reviews.
You can find many types of gum, skin creams and oils containing CBD online.
CBD is becoming increasingly popular as a remedy for a variety of health problems, including depression. If you want to try CBD, talk to your doctor.
While studies show that the compound is generally safe, it can still interact with medications. You should check all the medicines and other supplements you are taking before you start using CBD to see if they interact with each other.
To buy CBD, please visit the website mariswiss.com.