Stress is undoubtedly leaving its impact on almost everyone, so it has become more than a necessity to look for ways to combat or at least address it.
Looking at the mental and physical consequences of stress, we realize that it can prevent people from living normal life. Moreover, long-term stress can lead to many health problems, including anxiety, depression, and heart disease. Studies have found various methods and treatments to fight and prevent stress, including yoga, meditation, psychological therapy, herbal remedies, and cannabis-based medicines. Yes, you have heard it right – cannabis-based medication. Cannabidiol (CBD), in particular, has proven extremely helpful in managing stress and some forms of anxiety. Research supports this therapeutic property of CBD, with a couple of studies reinforcing the positive impact of this plant on mental health.
You may have many questions about CBD and its role in treating stress – as it is only normal – so we will detail it in the following. Read on to find out valuable insights into this legend-like plant.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or shortly, CBD, is one of the many compounds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It has managed to grab the attention of researchers lately, becoming one of the most studied cannabinoids from this plant. Its “cousin” – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – is the other (and perhaps more) famous cannabinoid, but unlike CBD, it results in the so-called “high” feeling that individuals usually link marijuana with. Nonetheless, it would be wise to understand that not all Cannabis Sativa compounds make you high – CBD is proof of it. More than that, CBD has several health benefits you should not miss, mainly if you have just decided to consume cannabidiol.
CBD is found in both hemp and marijuana; no, these are not the same. Hemp is, if we can say so, a cousin of the marijuana plant, containing less than 0.3 percent or less of THC. This is also the legally permitted amount of THC in most US states, according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Since it is not a psychoactive chemical and is legal in a certain proportion, CBD has rapidly surged in popularity, leading to a real craze among consumers. But is it only hype or clear evidence that CBD does help people relieve stress? We will address the question in the following.
How to use CBD for stress?
Now that the therapeutic benefits of CBD are quite evident, you may wonder how you can garner the advantages as regards your stress. You will see that it is not as hard as it may seem, but the first and most important thing to do is ask for your physician’s advice. Any medication, no matter the problem it addresses, should receive the approval of a healthcare practitioner or pharmacist. Also, it is critical to opt for the right dosage according to your particular needs. After all these aspects are made clear, you can start considering one of these administration methods:
- edibles
- capsules
- sublingual spray
- vaporized oil or a simple oil
Regardless of your choice, getting a comprehensive understanding of each administration method is essential. For example, suppose you purchase a bottle of CBD oil. You can squeeze the dropper under your tongue (sublingual administration) or infuse it into your favorite food or drink. In that manner, you can feel the CBD properties within 15 minutes. This is usually one of the fastest ways to enjoy the benefits of this cannabis compound, but if you can spare the time, you can try the other consumption methods that also vary. Mixing CBD oil with your food or drink means waiting a bit longer for the properties to come in – about 2 hours – but it is believed that they will also last longer.
CBD is an excellent method to unwind after a stressful day; as you can see, plenty of CBD-related products are available. If you are a bit more adventurous, you can opt for delta-9 THC, a cannabis alternative that has been met with a ripple of applause. What is so special about this compound is that it has neither the extremely milder effects of CBD nor the very psychoactive properties of THC but rather something in-between. Has it caught your interest? Feel free to look for the right Delta 8 products for you – there is a whole range to choose from!
What the research says
CBD’s surprising connection to the human body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system) is clear evidence that it is not a toxic chemical. ECS is a system of receptors and neurotransmitters, including the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor and cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), that contributes to the well-running of several bodily functions, such as digestion, memory, sleep, immune the immune system, and mood. Overall, ECS appears to help people maintain a state of equilibrium and internal stability, also called homeostasis. Mental balance is no exception, as some of the ECS receptors are in charge of calmness. This may explain why our ancestors have used hemp for decades to mellow out.
A 2015 review indicates that CBD not only interacts with the 5-HT1A and CB1R receptors but also makes for a potential treatment for several kinds of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The health benefits of this Cannabis Sativa compound were also examined in a more recent 2020 study involving 397 adults in New Zealand. The patients received medical CBD prescriptions for multiple neurological, non-cancer, cancer-related, and mental health symptoms. Surprisingly, all participants reported enhancements in their overall quality of life, including those who took CBD treatment for anxiety and depression.
CBD also proved beneficial for poor sleep, as a retrospective study involving 71 adults concluded. The participants in this study received a specific amount of CBD once a day and were then monitored to see their response to this treatment. It revealed that 48 patients saw improvements in their sleep routines, i.e., 66.7 percent.
Aren’t you convinced yet? Just try it!
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