Depression, Anxiety, Stress and CBD

Depression

According to the World Health Organization publication, Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017, depression is the single largest contributor to disability worldwide, while anxiety disorders are ranked sixth. Depression is also the major contributor to suicide deaths, which number close to 800,000 per year. [i ]Cannabidiol (CBD) has been shown to help with these conditions.

Anxiety, stress, and depression are usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs, which can cause side effects including drowsiness, agitation, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache. Common adverse effects included withdrawal effects (73.5%), sexual problems (71.8%), and weight gain (65.3%). Adverse emotional effects, such as feeling emotionally numb (64.5%) and addicted (43%), are also common. [ii]

Medications used for anxiety and depression like benzodiazepines can be addictive and may lead to substance abuse.[iii] Benzodiazepines are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety and insomnia and include diazepam, Xanax, Valium, and others. [iv] Benzodiazepine-related problems include diversion, misuse, dependency, driving impairment, and morbidity and mortality related to overdose and withdrawal. In older patients they have been associated with cognitive decline, dementia [v] and falls.[vi] There is evidence of increased mortality with long-term use of benzodiazepines.[vii] As of 2019 benzodiazepines are considered potentially inappropriate in most older adults. [viii]

Not only is CBD not addictive, but it may even help treat drug addiction. Preliminary evidence suggests that CBD might lower the likelihood of developing cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders.

We know there are benefits from using cannabinoids in epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Tthe endocannabinoid system is also involved in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression.

CBD and Depression

While Christmas time is the most likely time of the year to experience depression with the suicide rate higher during this period than any other time, depression, anxiety, and stress can occur any time of the year. CBD has been shown to help.

CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in both human and animal studies without causing problems such as those noted above. “To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” [ix]

In one Brazilian study, 57 men received either oral CBD or a placebo 90 minutes before they underwent a simulated public speaking test. The researchers found the placebo, as well as the low and high dose were ineffective; the mid-range dose was found to be effective. [x] CBD abides by the law of diminishing returns: More is not necessarily better and in fact may result in no relief.

CBD oil has even been used to safely treat anxiety and insomnia in children with post-traumatic stress disorder. [xi]

“A cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on most patients, families, and caregivers. Feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear are very common and are normal responses to this life-changing experience.” [xii] In addition, CBD may help reduce symptoms related to cancer and side effects related to cancer treatment, like nausea, vomiting and pain.

One study looked at the effects of CBD and THC in 177 people with cancer-related pain who did not experience relief from pain medication. Those treated with an extract containing both compounds experienced a significant reduction in pain compared to those who received only THC extract. [xiii] Note: Mesa Lavender Farms full spectrum CBD tinctures contains both CBD and THC. We also manufacture tinctures containing no THC.

CBD may also help reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, which are among the most common chemotherapy-related side effects for those with cancer. [xiv]

CBD is available in full spectrum with a small amount of THC or THC free. You can find Mesa lavender Farms® tinctures at https://mesalavenderfarms.com/shop/

References Used