Proponents of CBD products will say it’s a cure-all, and opponents will say that science doesn’t back any of CBD’s alleged benefits. This leaves many wondering what the truth of the matter is when it comes to mental health conditions such as depression? With so much information available, it becomes difficult to differentiate the fact from over-bloated propaganda. Here’s some information on CBD and depression and whether or not it helps.
CBD and Legality
Let’s clear the air about the legality of CBD before we move any further so that everyone is on the same page. CBD and THC are both derived from the Cannabis plant. However, hemp containing 0.3% THC or less has recently been removed from the list of controlled substances and is legal to grow and cultivate in the United States.
This ruling comes with 2018’s Farm Bill, which counteracts a small portion of the language of the Controlled Substances Act of 1971 in which hemp, marijuana, and cannabis derivatives were listed as Schedule 1 Drugs (placing them in the same category as LSD and heroin). As long as hemp crops meet the 0.3% rule, they are considered legal at the federal level and can be used to cultivate and produce CBD products.
Is it the Same as THC?
Whether CBD is the same thing as THC is a question that causes a lot of confusion to those who don’t know much about Cannabis or CBD. Although CBD and THC are both cannabinoids derived from the Cannabis plant, they are very different when it comes to their chemical structure and bodily effects. THC is a psychoactive compound, meaning it reacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the brain and causes the “high” sensation you feel when you inhale or ingest THC.
CBD is in no way psychoactive, so it won’t get you high and won’t show up on a drug test. For this reason, popular products like CBD gummies and CBD oil have become staples for those who want the medicinal effects of the Cannabis plant without the high.
Since marijuana and THC are still illegal at the federal level, it’s more practical for many Americans to choose CBD products instead. Even with cannabis legalization at some state levels, the federal government can still arrest marijuana users and distributors and charge them with a felony.
The Benefits of CBD
CBD research is still in its infancy, but the FDA has recently approved a CBD-based anti-seizure medication called Epidiolex. This is an important step in not only legitimizing CBD and CBD products but also in bringing the facts about CBD into the public. The stigma and misinformation that has persisted for decades regarding Cannabis are slowly breaking, paving the way for better-funded research and more in-depth studies.
Some of the benefits of CBD as described by its millions of users are as follows:
- Reduced anxiety/stress
- Help with depression symptoms
- Improved focus
- Reduced pain for chronic conditions
- Reduced inflammation and discomfort in arthritis patients
- Alleviation of cancer-related symptoms (not curing cancer; an important distinction)
- Antipsychotic effects
- Diabetes prevention
Even with minimal research, these effects could be life-changing for patients suffering from debilitating diseases. CBD has been shown to have anti-depressive effects in animal testing, and a study in Brazil showed that men who took the compound before a public-speaking event experienced less anxiety.
Does it Help?
So, do CBD gummies help with depression? As long as you’re purchasing high-quality CBD gummies like those at Verma Farms and other top-notch providers, it’s safe to say that CBD’s effects on depression are quite promising. Reducing anxiety can do wonders for those suffering from depression, and a general sense of calm and clarity can often mean the difference between a complete breakdown and a recovery.
Further Research
The research is still trying to catch up with the recent legalization and boom in the CBD industry, but we can expect more information in the coming years. CBD isn’t going anywhere, and, in fact, is set to become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
With such incredible financial backing, it’s safe to assume that CBD providers will be funding further in-depth research into the many benefits that CBD has to offer. Since CBD is no longer a schedule 1 drug, the federal government may also fund more research into the compound–only time will tell!
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that CBD has been said to help with depression and anxiety, but there aren’t really any studies that 100% guarantee that CBD can help. Most of the evidence is based on small studies or anecdotal evidence, but CBD’s users are confident in their analysis of the many benefits the compound has to offer.