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For decades, those who did seek treatment ultimately ended up using Big Pharma products such as antidepressants. However, a growing number of people with mental health issues are turning to CBD instead. Common antidepressants carry an array of side effects.
These include:
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Blurred vision
- Loss of sexual desire
- Nausea
In contrast, the range of adverse effects attributed to CBD is minimal. Yes, patients could suffer some of the above issues. However, they are significantly milder problems overall.
The Growth of CBD Use Amongst Those Living with Mental Health
The discrepancy between people who need treatment and those who seek it is often down to finance. In the United States, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) often costs up to $100 an hour. It is also a fact that some healthcare insurers don’t provide coverage for certain medications. While CBD also isn’t covered in a healthcare plan, it is possible to get a month’s supply for $70 or less, depending on how much you use.
There is also a stigma attached to attending therapy sessions or using antidepressants. In contrast, CBD gummies and other products are quick and easy to use. You can take a gummy or tincture in public in seconds, and no one is any the wiser. This is likely one of the reasons for its growth in popularity as an alternative to ‘traditional’ medication.
Cannabinoid Research in Mental Health
A study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in July 2018 looked at a cross-sectional survey of cannabidiol users. It analyzed the 2,409 people who completed an online study into their use of CBD. These individuals outlined how cannabidiol impacted their general health across three months.
62% of CBD users admitted using the cannabinoid to treat a medical condition. The top three conditions were Pain, Anxiety, and Depression. Approximately 36% of users said CBD treated their condition “very well by itself.” Around 33% of users reported a mild side effect.
Popularity
The boost in CBD’s popularity for medical reasons defies the FDA’s stance. In the United States, CBD remains on the list of controlled substances. Sellers of the cannabinoids are not allowed to make any medical claims. This is despite the growing body of evidence which suggests it has the potential to improve various symptoms.
More Evidence on CBD’s Beneficial Effects on Mental Health
Another study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research in January 2020 looked at the therapeutic role of cannabidiol in mental health. The researchers aimed to summarize the clinical outcomes, study designs, and limitations for the use of CBD and nabiximols. They embarked upon a systematic review of 23 studies into cannabidiol and nabiximols.
The research team concluded that CBD and compounds like nabiximols helped alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and several other conditions. The conclusion also said that the evidence for CBD benefiting individuals with psychiatric disorders warrants further discussion in future studies.
What Are the Best CBD Options for Mental Health?
A lot depends on the user’s preferences. Some people love the natural hemp taste of CBD oil. Others enjoy the vaping experience, while an increasing number of individuals opt for CBD gummies at Premium Jane. The brand is among the industry’s most respected. It sells a container with 30 CBD gummies, each of which contains 25mg of cannabidiol.
Apart from the delicious taste of the gummies, users try them because of the convenience. Each one contains a pre-measured amount of cannabidiol, so you automatically know how much you are using. It is a little trickier to ascertain CBD consumption levels when taking CBD oil drops or vape juice.
Premium Jane
However, you must only use brands, such as Premium Jane, that offer third-party lab reports. Also known as certificates of analysis, this documentation enables you to see what is inside each product. At present, the CBD market is widely unregulated. As a result, there is a significant divergence between the quality of products available.
Although CBD offers promise for people with mental health issues, at present, there isn’t enough long-term research to prove its efficacy. While researchers haven’t found any long-term risks, there is no guarantee that such problems don’t exist.
Finally, it is unwise to cast aside any antipsychotics or antidepressants you use if you elect to try CBD. If you are using a particular medication for mental health purposes, keep using it until your healthcare provider says otherwise.
