Mental health is still a very taboo topic even though it is something that affects most of the world’s population. A lot of people are still very hesitant to talk about it however, it is important to remember that mental health is just as important as physical health and it is okay to seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed. In this blog post, we will look at CBD which is a compound found in the cannabis plant as well as the benefits of consuming CBD for mental health including depression and anxiety which are common conditions that are treated with CBD. So if you’re interested in learning more about CBD and the potential benefits of this component, keep reading.
What is cannabidiol and what are its benefits for mental health?
There are many main active ingredients in the cannabis plant and one of these main active ingredients is CBD or cannabidiol. Unlike THC, which is the other main active ingredient, CBD does not induce any psychoactive effects which makes it a popular substance for medical use as opposed to recreational use. CBD has gained a noteworthy reputation in the medical marijuana community and is famed for its many health benefits that are backed by countless studies and bodies of research. Some of the most common medical conditions that CBD is used to treat include the following:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
CBD is also popular amongst those who live with challenges regarding mental health, mainly depression and anxiety.
How can you start using cannabis to improve your mental health symptoms or conditions?
Regarding consumption, there are many ways to consume cannabis. If you have mental health issues, it is recommended that you consume cannabis orally via edibles, sublingually via tinctures, or otherwise consume CBD oil. CBD is also available in the form of outdoor marijuana seeds (grow your own) and dry flowers, and you can consume it by using dry herb vaporizers or bongs, but the simplest way of all is using a glass pipe. Grasscity has a wide range of pipes in every shape imaginable, so if you’re interested in this CBD consumption method it’s worth checking out. No matter which method you prefer, always start slowly and with a small dose so that you can observe your tolerance level before consuming more.
If you are suffering from mental health issues and want to try a holistic treatment, CBD could be the right choice for you. Just remember first to consult your doctor. Medical marijuana is legal in most US states, however, depending on the state you live you might need a card for the legal and safe purchase of CBD products. This means you need to acquire a medical marijuana card in order to treat your mental health problems.
How does cannabis help improve mental health symptoms and conditions?
CBD has profound effects on the mind of those suffering from mental health. This substance increases the level of anandamide in the brain which is associated with decreasing psychotic symptoms. CBD also has a calming effect that helps those who suffer from anxiety. Relating to mood, CBD is a good mood regulator and stimulates dopamine release which is helpful for those who suffer from depression. The most common mental condition treated with CBD is depression and anxiety however, it is also used as a treatment for PTSD. People who suffer from PTSD typically experience symptoms that include paranoia, anxiety, disturbed sleep, nightmares, and tension to name a few. CBD works well to relieve these symptoms because of the calming and relaxing state that it puts the consumer in. CBD also induces restful sleep and provides better quality of sleep and a longer quantity of sleep. Typically people treat these conditions with harmful and dangerous pharmaceutical drugs which carry major adverse side effects which include addiction. CBD on the other hand is a holistic form of treatment that has no health risks.
What are the side effects of using cannabis for mental health purposes?
While CBD has many health benefits, you must consider possible side effects that can be experienced, especially if you are consuming the wrong dosage. Not every person will experience side effects however if you are unlucky enough to be someone who does, you can expect to experience drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, appetite changes, mood changes, and in some cases, anxiety. It is important not to consume CBD while taking pharmaceutical medication or when consuming alcohol because this is when side effects typically manifest. You must take the correct dose which can be determined when looking at your weight and the condition you wish to treat, however, the general rule of thumb is to start with a small dose and gradually increase with time.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
