The Mental Health Benefits Of CBD
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is one of the many natural compounds found in cannabis plants. While research into CBD and its potential benefits has been limited due to marijuana’s status as a Schedule 1 substance in the U.S., it has time and time again proven to be a very successful form of treatment for helping folks that are suffering from depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and many other mental health issues.
Unfortunately, despite CBD not being a psychoactive substance, not having any significant side effects, and regardless of its significant positive effects on many fronts, it is still very much an illegal substance in the eyes of the federal government and unfortunately, it appears that it will remain that way for some time to come. Despite the limited data and its status as a Schedule 1 drug, with the many side effects of the medications that are often the foundation of most forms of traditional treatment, we can easily see why many folks have turned to CBD as an alternative form of medicine for treating their conditions.
CBD is a cannabinoid and one of the most abundant of the non-psychoactive compounds found in marijuana plants. CBD binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, which is why it is so effective when used to treat a number of different mental disorders and health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder among many others. Although it is not fully understood how exactly CBD affects the CB1 receptors, it is believed that CBD alters a person’s serotonin signals to some degree. Low serotonin levels are common found in people suffering from depression and not having enough of it can also lead to anxiety issues for some folks. However CBD has shown that it an help regulate these low levels making it a potential alternative form of treatment to the prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) like Prozac and Zoloft that are typically used for that purpose but without their pronounced side effects.
While the data is rather limited, studies have also gone to show that CBD has the potential to help patients cope with insomnia, speech disorders, panic disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and has also proved to be helpful in treating certain severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. If CBD is legally available in your area and you decide to try it as a form of treatment for any condition, please be sure to consult with a medical professional before you begin using it. Despite the apparent lack of any significant side effects CBD is still a drug and it is best to make sure through your physician that there won’t be any complications or the risk of exacerbating your condition.
Do you believe that CBD can be an effective form of treatment for certain mental health conditions? Have you ever tried CBD yourself to treat any of the above mental health issues? What are your thoughts on the government’s decision to keep CBD illegal a Schedule 1 substance in the U.S.?
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