In a world that never seems to slow down, taking care of your mental health and well-being is important. Traditional approaches such as meditation, therapy, and exercise are great ways to boost your mood – but what about an alternative remedy? Many people rely on antidepressant drugs to get them through the day, but numerous studies suggest we have a natural alternative on the rise.

Commonly referred to as CBD, cannabidiol is gaining serious traction in the mental health world. CBD is a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Discovered in the 1940s, CBD is one of one hundred and thirteen identified cannabinoids. CBD accounts for up to 40% of all extractions from the hemp plant.

Education on the benefits of CBD is exploding, and many people are finding positive health benefits. It is possible that the effects of cannabidiol can positively enhance your mood, and here is what we know so far!

CBD And Its Interaction With Our Endocannabinoid System

First, we must break down the interaction between CBD and our endocannabinoid system to understand how CBD may positively benefit our moods. Because our endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, it makes sense that a cannabinoid may also affect our moods. The endocannabinoid system also helps regulate our immune response and pain perception.

Our bodies produce endocannabinoids and the enzymes that are responsible for their breakdown. The cannabinoid receptors that are found in our endocannabinoid system are known as CB1 and CB2. This is important to know because CBD doesn’t bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the same way as THC.

THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive part of the cannabis plant. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects known as the “high” or “stoned” feeling after consumption.

CBD interacts indirectly with our CB1 and CB2 receptors and other receptors in our body. The indirect interactions are believed to influence our physiological processes, such as mood regulation.

CBD’s Impact On Stress And Anxiety

It is not always easy to maintain a positive attitude throughout the day. Outside factors such as work, family, and household chores can add extra stress and anxiety for many people. Studies on both animals and humans suggest that CBD may have anxiety-relieving properties.

CBD has been shown to affect serotonin levels in both animals and humans. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is crucial to regulating mood and emotions.

Those who suffer from mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and anxiety and mood disorders may benefit from a daily CBD regimen. Anxiety symptoms can be debilitating for some.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that CBD can reduce symptoms in those with a generalized anxiety disorder. It is suggested that CBD’s interactions with the CB1 receptors in the brain’s limbic system contribute to a decrease in symptoms in those with anxiety disorders. The brain’s limbic system is responsible for emotional processing.

Since CBD has a steady influence over the endocannabinoid receptors and the ability to regulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, it appears CBD may have direct effects on mood.

Neuroprotection and Mood Regulation

Another potential contributing factor to CBD’s mood enhancement claim is its neuroprotective properties. Brain cells can be damaged by chronic stress and inflammation, which can impact neural circuits associated with mood regulation.

People with mental disorders such as panic and social anxiety disorders are at risk for brain cell damage due to chronic stress. Anxiety-like behavior can often be relieved, at least temporarily, by medical cannabis.

Because CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it is possible to counteract the adverse effects – leading to a healthier neural environment. It is crazy what our brains are capable of.

CBD also impacts neurogenesis – the creation of new neurons. A study published in “Frontiers in Neurology” suggested that CBD may help stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus of our brains. This process may counteract the negative effects of chronic stress on the hippocampus – resulting in improved mood stability.

Pain Management and Mood Enhancement

It is no surprise that chronic pain can contribute to negative emotional states. Persistent discomfort caused by chronic pain can also lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Researchers are beginning to explore CBD’s analgesic properties to alleviate pain, directly resulting in improved moods.

Endocannabinoids are produced when the body experiences pain. These endocannabinoids interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, modulating pain perception. CBD’s interactions with these receptors may contribute to its analgesic or pain-reducing effects.

By reducing the amount of pain and discomfort found in the body, it is suggested that CBD can indirectly enhance mood by relieving the burden of discomfort. This relief may lead to improved emotional well-being.

Emotional Resilience and Sleep Quality

The relationship between sleep and mood is complicated. Poor sleep can lead to mood disorders, whereas mood disorders can disrupt sleep patterns. What a cycle! It is possible that CBD’s anxiolytic effects that improve sleep quality can lead to a positive impact on mood.

Several factors go into CBD’s potential sleep-enhancing effects. The anxiolytic and antidepressant properties of CBD may help relieve racing thoughts and reduce anxiety, allowing a person to fall asleep faster. CBD’s influence on the sleep-wake cycle may also help regulate sleeping patterns, improving sleep quality.

Preclinical research is still ongoing and in the early stages to determine the effects of medical cannabis on emotional resilience, but we are certainly heading in the right direction.

Routes of Administration for CBD Treatment

There are several routes of administration when it comes to medical cannabis products. You can purchase CBD in tincture, edible, capsule, topical, suppository, and whole flower form.

Though it is available in whole flower form, many physicians recommend exploring other routes to avoid inhaling unnecessary carcinogens. Despite the warnings from physicians, many people still choose to smoke or vape their CBD to aid in decreasing anxiety as it has an early onset and high bioavailability. It is important to be aware of all safety and side effects.

Second to smoking or vaping, people also choose to consume their CBD as an edible. Many medical cannabis products have been packaged as tasty treats in high doses. Edibles are very common in the CBD industry for treating anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and chronic pain.

Routes of administration, such as topicals or suppositories, can significantly benefit those struggling with chronic pain. A topical CBD product can be applied directly to tender areas with no adverse effects or cognitive impairment. This method of administration is favored by many despite the longer onset relief time.

A suppository CBD product can also aid in the relief of chronic pain and menstrual cramps. This route is not as common in the CBD industry, but it has piqued some interest!

DocCBD Can Help

DocCBD has a line of seven quality CBD products that may benefit you. Our products currently include:

• 25 MG Broad Spectrum CBD Capsules.
• CBD Sleep Gummies with CBG and CBN.
• Fast Acting CBD Pain Roller.
• Mint Flavored CBD Calm Tincture.
• 25 MG CBD Softgel Capsules.
• CBD Pain Relief Cream.
• 12.5 MG CBD Softgel Capsules.

Many patients with anxiety-related behaviors have grown fond of the CBD Calm Tincture and Sleep Gummies with CBG and CBN. Because CBD is a non-FDA-regulated product, many CBD products that are very low quality are available.

It is important to check the certificate of analysis when purchasing unregulated CBD to ensure you receive a quality product safe from heavy metals and toxins. All of DocCBD’s products come with a full COA upon request, ensuring that our products are only made from high-quality ingredients.

If you are interested in learning more about DocCBD’s products, we are happy to help! Please feel free to call our office at (888) 316-6659 or email us at [email protected].

Potential Side Effects Of CBD

With any supplement or medication, there are side effects to be made aware of. Consuming high doses of CBD can lead to fatigue, nausea, drowsiness, diarrhea, and dry mouth. While the side effects of CBD appear minor, they can be uncomfortable for some users.

Those who suffer from psychiatric disorders are more susceptible to the behavioral effects of CBD. Though CBD is a nonpsychoactive chemical, anxiety-like responses are more common for users with psychiatric disorders.

Another potential to be aware of is cannabis use disorder. This is the inability to stop using cannabis products despite adverse effects. While this is typically more common when a person is using THC, it is still possible while using CBD.

Research Continues

Research on CBD treatment for anxiety disorders is still in the early stages. The available evidence suggests that consuming CBD oil or CBD gummies regularly may be beneficial in treating anxiety. CBD is a potential treatment for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and mood disorders, major depressive disorder, chronic pain, and so much more.

CBD showcases a wide range of opportunities to enhance mood Through interaction with our endocannabinoid system, regulation of neurotransmitters, potential neuroprotective properties, and impacts on sleep disturbances.

As always, it is important to note that everyone metabolizes things differently. Many factors, such as dosage, genetics, and underlying health conditions, will affect your body’s ability to receive relief from CBD treatment. It is important to consult with a medical professional before adding supplements to your daily diet, especially if you are already taking other medications.

As researchers continue exploring how CBD affects mood, the potential remains exciting to many people with mental health disorders and chronic pain.