CBD, or cannabidiol, is present in the cannabis plant and it has many uses. Some studies indicate that it could lessen the symptoms of illnesses including chronic pain, sleeplessness, and even anxiety and depression. While research into its effects is still underway, there have been some studies that look very encouraging for using CBD for depression and anxiety.
If you’ve been considering buying CBD to relieve anxiety and stress, you might have been shocked — or even overwhelmed — by the variety of options available. In this article, we’ll talk about the research and evidence behind using CBD for anxiety and depression and recommend a few strains.
Does CBD Help with Anxiety and Depression?
One of the several cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant is cannabidiol (CBD). It is a non-psychoactive substance that may be used to treat many disorders, including anxiety and depression.
Current research suggests that CBD has powerful pharmacological effects. Many scientists and researchers know that CBD has beneficial anti-inflammatory properties. It works by blocking certain enzymes that trigger inflammation in the body.
According to a 2015 review, CBD reacts with the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other receptors in the brain that help to regulate fear and anxiety-induced behaviors.
In a more recent 2020 study, researchers evaluated CBD’s effects on 397 adults living in New Zealand. The study participants received medical CBD prescriptions for various ailments, including non-cancer pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological symptoms, and mental health symptoms.
After receiving CBD therapy for three weeks, all groups reported improvements in their general quality of life. According to reports, those who got CBD therapy for anxiety or depression reported increases in their capacity to carry out daily tasks and a decrease in pain and anxiety or depression symptoms.
70% of study participants reported some level of satisfaction with CBD treatment, ranging from good to excellent. Only 9.9% of participants experienced adverse side effects, such as sedation and vivid dreams. A smaller portion of the study population (0.8%) reported worsening symptoms.
Which Are the Best CBD Products for Anxiety?
CBD can be taken in a number of different ways. It can be taken as an edible, as a capsule, as an oil, and it can be vaped as CBD oil.
- Oral
Oral forms of CBD, such as edible options, capsules, and gummies, and an easy and convenient way to dose. However, it should be noted that anything taken orally is subject to the first-pass effect.
When the liver metabolizes a medicine, it only permits a small portion of it to reach the bloodstream. As a result, the effects of CBD could be less potent and emerge more gradually. Therefore, consumers should exercise caution to avoid consuming an excessive amount of CBD too soon.
- Sublingual
Sublingual refers to putting anything under the mouth to administer it. CBD’s chemical constituents permeate the blood vessels just below the tongue. As a result, the sublingual route avoids the liver’s first pass processing and the medicine enters the bloodstream quickly. Evidence suggests that CBD taken sublingually has a better bioavailability than CBD taken orally.
- Topicals
Topical CBD can be applied directly to the skin. This technique also avoids the effects of the first-pass effect and might be helpful for treating confined problems like arthritis or skin disorders. However, it could irritate the skin.
- Inhalation
This technique involves inhaling CBD so that it absorbs into their circulation through the lungs’ mucous membranes. Among the fastest ways to absorb high bioavailability CBD is to smoke dried hemp flower, vape CBD oil, or use a vape pen to inhale CBD concentrates. This technique, however, might expose a person to carcinogens or other dangerous substances that could irritate or injure the lungs.
Cannabis for Anxiety
Indica or Sativa for Anxiety?
How does Sativa affect your body? These strains, which are suitable for a daytime experience and encourage creativity and attention, have a tendency to be more energizing and heady. Contrarily, Indicas are more tranquil, physically sedating, and relaxing generally, and they may be useful for treating symptoms related to pain and sleeplessness, among other things.
It’s important to take into account the time of day when you use CBD. A sativa strain that fosters focus, creativity, and euphoria may be the ideal option if you’re trying to calm your anxiety during the day, whilst a more sedating indica strain may be the best choice if you’re trying to calm your anxiety before bed.
Will a Sativa, Indica, or a hybrid strain work best for anxiety? Given the characteristics, many claim that an Indica is suitable for sadness and anxiety, but it’s not quite that cut and dry. People experience anxiety in various ways, thus a Sativa’s headiness may amplify one person’s worry while an Indica’s sedating effects may do the same for another.
Cannabis for Depression
Indica or Sativa for Depression?
Sativa generally has better results for people seeking depression relief. This is especially true for people who have depression linked to their serotonin levels. Sativas will make you energetic and productive. They’re great for physical activity, going for a hike, completing a task, cleaning, and anything that requires focus, all things that those with depression struggle with.
Best Cannabis Strains for Anxiety and Depression
Sour OG
The stimulating terpenes in sour OG, such as beta-caryophyllene, which is known to possess antidepressant qualities, are well documented. This strain, a cross between OG Kush and Sour Diesel, has both THC and CBD and is effective for treating both anxiety and depression.
Maui Wowie
This Sativa strain is known to help relieve stress with a mellow body buzz but increased creative mental energy.
Slurricane
Slurricane is an Indica strain that can help with relaxation and increased appetite and it is a potent mix of Do-Si-Dos and Purple Punch. Slurricane is the ideal strain for relaxing after a long day and will likely leave you locked to your sofa, so it may be ideal for anxiety.
Purple OG
Purple OG is an Indica and is the ultimate de-stressor. Some have reported Purple to be a “movie” strain: a strain that’s ideal for sitting down to watch a movie or favorite show.
Blue Dream
A Sativa hybrid, some things to expect with this strain are a sense of happiness and calm, some even report the onset of giggles when first smoked. Many people find the Sativa effects of this strain well-suited for helping to get through periods of stress and depression. Because Blue Dream is so uplifting, it pulls you into a different headspace that’s perhaps better suited for new patterns of thought.
Cookies and Cream
Cookies and Cream is the ideal strain for treating anxiety. It is a cross between Starfighter and a Girl Scout Cookies phenotype, and it produces some of the most calming, pleasant effects without keeping you down.
If you are looking for an alternative to pharmaceuticals with dangerous side effects, consider CBD. It’s all-natural and has far fewer side effects.
To learn more about the best CBD products for anxiety and depression at Medizin in Las Vegas, contact us.
