What are Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to outside threat. While anxiety is a necessary response that allows you to avoid danger, it can become persistent and worsen over time, compromising your mental and physical health.
Depression is a mood disorder that can be mild or severe, and depressive episodes usually last between two weeks and several months. Those with depression lose interest in hobbies and often experience trouble with work, sleep, and eating habits. Conflict, genetics, abuse, isolation, and the loss of a loved one may contribute to the development of depression.
What is CBD?
CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a natural compound present in Hemp and Marijuana plants. At Hemp Bombs, we extract our CBD from non-GMO, organic Industrial Hemp grown in the U.S. under environmentally friendly, sustainable conditions. Using a CO2 extraction method, we can separate 99 percent pure CBD isolate from the other cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, present in Hemp plants, like THC. All our CBD is third-party tested for accountability, and we publish the results for transparency.
CBD for anxiety and depression is effective because of its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is made of receptors and cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, that help regulate mood, appetite, and the sleep cycle in all mammals. The system also responds to plant-derived cannabinoids like CBD and THC. CBD does not bind directly to the receptors, instead it influences other compounds to react and restore bodily balance. CBD can influence any of the regulatory processes controlled by the ECS like skin cell production, sebaceous gland secretions and immune system function.
CBD for Anxiety and Depression
Research studying CBD for anxiety and depression showed a possible long-term improvement in the acute symptoms of these conditions. CBD can potentially reduce anxiety, aid in hippocampal neurogenesis, boost mood and improve sleep quality. For example, a 2011 study found CBD to have anxiolytic-like effects (anti-anxiety effects) in rats during anxiety tests. Because all mammals have an ECS, the results from animal studies may give us true insight on how CBD may affect change in our bodies and promote wellness.
CBD for anxiety and depression may stimulate the endocannabinoid system in a way that promotes neurogenesis of the hippocampus. Studies show that the structure and volume of the hippocampus may be decreased in patients with anxiety and depression; however, consistent CBD use may help regenerate hippocampal neurons and enlarge the hippocampus, relieving some of the cognitive symptoms of depression related to memory, focus, and negative thoughts.
When you take CBD for anxiety and depression, the natural compound binds with FAAH (fatty acid amide hydrolase) to inhibit the breakdown of the natural cannabinoid, anandamide, a “bliss” molecule. The resulting accumulation of anandamide in the nerve synapses boosts mood and promotes euphoria, potentially helping those experiencing a depressive episode. .
