How CBD Treats Anxiety and Depression
Now that cannabis is fully recreational for adults over 21 in California, we have a lot of new members reaching out to see how they can use marijuana products for physical, mental and emotional relief. The most common inquiry as of late, is how to use CBD to treat anxiety and depression.
Anxiety has become a widespread issue, especially amongst young adults who are trying to juggle their demanding work requirements, family commitments, social lives and self care routines. In fact, 40% of adults over the age of 18 in our country right now are suffering from some form of anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Pharmaceutical companies have responded to this massive concern by developing several types of drugs to help quell some of the symptoms that come along with anxiety. These drugs are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tranquilizers. While they can certainly be very effective for some people, they are also known to cause a range of negative side effects (think drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, etc.) Even scarier, many of these pharmaceutical drugs are highly addictive. It’s understandable that many people are seeking a safer alternative!
What is CBD? The cannabis plant has more than 100 chemical compounds called
“cannabinoids” that interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems to produce myriad effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that has no psychoactive stimulation (read: does not get you high!) but has been shown to provide significant medicinal value. You’ve probably heard about people using CBD to help with issues like arthritis and epilepsy, but recent research has proven that CBD is also an incredible tool for mood elevation and anxiety relief.
So, how does this work? Scientists are working quickly to figure this out, but the truth is that the answer is not yet clear. From what we’ve been able to glean so far, it seems that CBD naturally boosts the activity of our serotonin receptors. Transmitting more serotonin within the brain is what the pharmaceutical companies are trying to accomplish through drugs like Xanax and Zoloft to treat anxiety and depression.
Studies in animals also suggest that CBD encourages the hippocampus to regenerate neurons. This is known as neurogeneration, which is another way to boost mood and settle mental tension. CBD also increased the release of a neurotrophin (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the animals’ limbic brain regions that are often associated with depression development.
How should we use CBD? CBD is most effective when administered consistently in a low to medium dose. Although it can absolutely have positive effects when taken in the midst of an anxiety attack, studies suggest that in regards to reducing overall anxiety-disorder systems like acute stress and insomnia, it’s best to take CBD daily as you would a multivitamin or birth control pill. Dosages may vary but we recommend starting with 5-10 mg per day and increasing after two weeks if need be.
CBD is naturally found in the cannabis plant– some strains have more than others so if you prefer to smoke flower, be sure to check the THC and CBD percentages on the test results. Once extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD comes in many different formats. From edibles and tinctures to concentrates and topicals, there are multiple products you can try! Here are some recommendations from our menu:
Dr. Raw Focus Tincture
This is by far a customer favorite due to its consistency and high-quality effectiveness. Moreover, by using a distillate as opposed to a whole plant extract, this product does not include the terpene that gives cannabis its distinct smell and flavor. A simple formula: cannabis distillate and MCT coconut oil– you can add this tincture to drinks and food or put it directly under your tongue for sublingual absorption.
Coastal Sun Billy “Ringo’s Gift”
This strain clocks in at almost 12% CBD and less than 1% THC, which means you can smoke it without feeling any sort of high. For those that enjoy the ritual of smoking cannabis or the experience of lighting up a joint, this strain will provide you with CBD’s benefits while allowing you to maintain a clear head.
Coast Prerolls CBD Blend
These pre-rolled joints come in a pack of seven and have filters rolled in. They are super discreet (honestly, look just like cigarettes,) and are ready to rock so you don’t have to worry about loading up your smoking accoutrements or rolling your own joint when you need something to take the edge off.
Dr. Raw Focus Hearts
These candies are formulated with a high CBD ratio (20:1 CBD:THC). As you suck the lozenge, the medicine is absorbed by the sublingual cells, which then enters the bloodstream much faster than eating an edible that has to travel through the digestive tract. These are pineapple flavored, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO and made with organic ingredients. Each heart contains 10mg CBD and there are 10 hearts in the package.
Kikoko Sympa-Tea
Sympa-Tea is a discreet and healthy alternative to cannabis edibles. Ease those aches and pains and relieve stress and anxiety. This blend is a caffeine-free organic turmeric ginger tea. Each sachet provides 20mg CBD and 3mg THC. Drinking tea can be a calming ritual in itself so this is a great way to introduce CBD into your system as an extra boost.
Care by Design 18:1 Cartridge
Fast-acting, smoke-free relief in an easy-to-use CBD-rich vape cartridge. Cannabis oil is lab-tested and measured for exact potency per cartridge. Vaping is a very subtle way to consume cannabis as it does not give off smoke or the scent that we commonly associate with marijuana.
In general, CBD holds great promise for those who suffer from issues related to anxiety or depression and it is completely devoid of substance abuse potential. Of course we will benefit from further research, but it is heartening to know we now have safe, natural and legal tools at our disposal to maintain our health and wellbeing.