Depression is a common mental health condition, not just here in the UK but the world over. It can have a lasting impact on a person’s health and well-being, social life, and ability to work.
In mild form, it can make things seem harder and less worthwhile but it doesn’t necessarily prevent you from leading your normal life. On the flip side, severe cases of depression can be life-threatening – especially if you have suicidal thoughts.
Many of our customers here at Peak Organics use CBD oil for depression to help ease their symptoms. If you have a depression and anxiety disorder, perhaps you could do the same?
What is CBD oil?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant – not to be confused with THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol).
Whilst they are both cannabinoids and popular for their therapeutic benefits, THC is responsible for the feelings of euphoria, or the “high” that a person experiences while using cannabis.
Though some CBD products contain a small amount of THC – most notably full-spectrum CBD oils – it’s not usually enough to have psychoactive effects.
How can it help with depression?
In the last decade, there have been many studies on the effectiveness of CBD oil – most of which were done using animals instead of humans.
Despite this, experts believe that the benefits of using CBD oil for depression are linked to CBD’s positive effect on the serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin impacts various bodily functions – including a person’s emotional stability and feelings of happiness, with low levels being typically linked to sadness and depression.
Keeping these levels balanced is key when treating depression. And although CBD oil won’t directly boost serotonin levels, it can affect how the brain’s receptors respond – producing antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Taking CBD oil for depression can also help with anxiety, cognitive impairment, and distress before public speaking. Not to mention conditions that are linked to depression, including chronic pain.
Find out more
Want to know more about CBD oil for depression? No problem – our friendly team is always on hand to help and will be more than happy to share their expertise.
If you have any questions, be sure to take a look at our FAQs below and, if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, get in touch.
Either call us on 0333 043 9975, email [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp message.
CBD Depression FAQs
Is it better to take antidepressants or CBD oil for depression?
Doctors often prescribe pharmaceutical drugs to help manage depression and anxiety, but they are known to cause drowsiness, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction.
Over the years, animal studies have shown that using CBD oil for depression can be just as beneficial as antidepressant medications, but without the common side effects.
In these studies, CBD didn’t appear to activate the brain’s endocannabinoid receptors directly, so there is less risk of it becoming addictive.
Though CBD oil offers some benefits over antidepressants, it’s not to be used as a replacement. And you should never stop taking your prescribed medicines without consulting your doctor first, as it may have serious repercussions.
How long does it take to feel the effects of CBD oil?
When taken sublingually by adding two drops beneath the tongue, it can take as little 20 minutes for the benefits of CBD to be felt. They tend to last several hours as well.
It’s good to get into the habit of monitoring your CBD oil intake – making a note of how much you took, how soon the CBD took to kick in, and how it made you feel. In doing so, you’ll be able to determine the appropriate dosage.
If you’ve been using CBD oil for quite some time but are yet to see an improvement in your symptoms, it may be time to increase the dosage slightly.
Whilst 10mg of CBD should be enough to help you sleep better, when using CBD oil for depression, you might need a 60mg daily dose. But of course, it’s best to check with your GP before you make any changes.
Are there any risks associated with CBD oil for depression?
Some people are more sensitive to CBD than others and, as a result, they may experience mild side effects such as:
- diarrhoea
- dizziness
- changes in appetite
- changes in weight
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
When taking CBD oil for depression, many people worry about getting high – but this needn’t be the case.
At Peak Organics, we sell only the safest, most reliable, and effective CBD products. Every batch is lab-tested twice and contains zero or trace amounts of THC, which is the psychoactive cannabinoid.