CBD — short for cannabidiol — is a compound extracted from hemp and cannabis plants.
While it’s nonintoxicating, researchTrusted Source suggests that it has multiple health benefits. One of those benefits may be to reduce depression symptoms.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 264 million peopleTrusted Source around the world live with it.
Many proven treatment options are available for depression, but scientists are still investigating new potential treatments. These treatments could provide relief to people who aren’t feeling supported by their current treatment. CBD might be one of these options.
One thing to note: CBD products don’t get you “high.” It’s a different compound from cannabis called THC, which does have this effect.
But most CBD products come from hemp, which is legal at the federal level — unlike cannabis. And CBD products contain minimal amounts of THC.
Here’s a good place at kushiebites.com to get started if you’re looking to learn more about the legality of cannabis products in your state.
Does CBD help with depression?
Many people claim CBD eases feelings of depression. Some animal studies suggest that CBD might have antidepressant properties, but we’ll need more research before we know for sure.
One of the problems with research on CBD and depression is that we don’t have human data. For example, a 2019 study that involved looking at animals concluded that CBD had fast-working antidepressant-like effects in rodents.
A 2019 review of available research on CBD and depression noted CBD’s antidepressant-like effects have been recorded in many animal species. The authors emphasized that clinical trials are needed to verify whether we could use CBD to treat depression.
Why does CBD seem to help with depression? It’s not 100% clear, but it might have something to do with serotonin, often called the “happiness molecule.”
As this 2014 reviewTrusted Source points out, many studies suggest that CBD affects the 5-HT1A receptors, which are a kind of serotonin receptor. Low levels of serotonin are associated with anxiety and depression.
The 2019 review mentioned above suggests CBD could also cause an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Low levels of BDNF have been linked to depression.
What’s more, a 2018 reviewTrusted Source concluded that CBD could have an anti-stress effect. Because stress can contribute to depression and other conditions, this effect might also be helpful.
Research also suggests CBD could have anti-anxiety effects. While more research is needed, this could benefit people who experience both depression and anxiety.
Still, we’ll need more robust human clinical studies to figure out whether CBD can help treat depression.
How to use CBD for depression
If you want to use CBD for depression, there are a few different options. CBD comes in the form of:
- oils and tinctures
- edibles
- vapes
- smokable CBD hemp flower
- beverages
- topicals, like lotions and body oils
When it comes to an internal condition like depression, it’s best to skip CBD topicals like creams, body oils, and lotion.
When you use CBD topicals, little to no CBD will enter your bloodstream. In general, CBD topicals are meant for skin conditions or superficial pain.
Because human studies on CBD and depression haven’t been done, there’s no clear research to suggest the best way to use CBD for depression. No evidence suggests one form of CBD is better than the other.
No matter what type of CBD you buy, it’s a good idea to get a high quality product from a reputable CBD brand.
How much CBD should I take for depression?
There aren’t any guidelines on the dosage of CBD you should use for depression specifically.
Even if clinical trials have included humans, most clinical trials use high amounts of CBD, generally hundreds of milligrams a day. That’s much more than most of us could access or afford, notes the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML).
The general rule with CBD is to start with a small amount per day and gradually increase it. This allows you to explore the possible benefits while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Many CBD brands recommend starting with 10 to 20 milligrams per day. From there, you can gradually increase your dosage until you feel some relief or experience an intolerable side effect.
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new health product, including CBD products. A CBD-friendly doctor might be able to suggest a dosage.
