How to use CBD Oil for Depression
Depression is a condition that plagues millions of people, and with our mental health systems lacking, sufferers often deal with symptoms privately to avoid an uncomfortable conversation with their family doctor. In the United States alone, over 16 million adults will have at least one depressive episode this year, and those statistics barely scrape the surface of this often devastating condition, but luckily, some patients are garnering some relief from their symptoms using CBD oil.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is an extract that generally consists of hemp plant oils that are processed, measured and packaged for sale or use. It contains only one cannabinoid called cannabidiol (CBD), which is the non-psychoactive element found in cannabis plants. Unfortunately, we have yet to discover how to separate the cannabinoid compounds found in the cannabis plant. This is the reason why hemp is used to make CBD oil, as hemp produces significant quantities of CBD and only trace amounts of THC.
How does CBD oil work for depression?
Though research into CBD oil and its potential therapeutic uses is still lacking, there are more than enough studies that have proven a benefit to patients who choose to use this all-natural medicine to treat anxiety and depression. We aren’t entirely certain why CBD has such incredibly powerful effects, but it is believed that our brain’s receptors come into contact with the cannabinoid, which releases a blend of hormones and chemicals including serotonin. Once the serotonin makes it to the brain, the body’s natural response is to calm, relax and improve mood.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for depression?
Some patients see an immediate difference in how they feel, and the severity of their symptoms after taking CBD oil, but most will have to be patient as they wait for the results. When pure CBD oil is ingested, it can take up to 90 minutes for relief to set in, but the wait is well worth the benefits, as it will offer up to 12 solid hours of relief after the initial ingestion.
How to use CBD oil for depression
CBD oil comes conveniently measured for easy and consistent dosing, using the included dropper, but a few drops under the tongue or along the gum line isn’t your only option. There are plenty of new and exciting CBD products on the market today that can deliver the same powerful dose of the cannabinoid in a more enjoyable way. Below you will find a list of the most common ways that patients use CBD oil for depression:
- Edibles
- Beverages
- Oral sprays
- Breath strips
- Gum
- Tincture
- Vape juice
- Capsules
- Topicals (cream, salve, ointment)
Is it addictive?
Many consumers worry about the potential of getting addicted, especially in a day and age that struggles with an opioid pandemic, but CBD oil is not an addictive substance, in fact, some studies have shown that cannabidiol can be a helpful tool in the treatment of addiction to drugs like nicotine, alcohol and opioids, so rather than getting addicted, it will more likely offer the opposite effect.
Side effects of CBD oil
CBD oil is a safe, and effective holistic medicinal treatment that can help combat the symptoms of depression, but that doesn’t mean patients won’t experience one of a few possible side effects including:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Grogginess
- Insomnia
How to avoid the adverse side effects of CBD oil
It is important to recognize that adverse results from this kind of treatment are incredibly rare and short-lived. They are most often caused by overconsumption, taking the product at the wrong time or an allergy to the base oil that is used to extract the CBD. To avoid the possibility of experiencing any of these uncomfortable side effects, always start with minimal amounts and rigorously follow the easy to read guidelines for dosage below.
How much CBD oil to take for depression?
The ideal amount of CBD oil for depression symptoms will vary depending on the person, so experimentation and patience are often necessary for a successful treatment. You might get lucky and find that the lowest dose of CBD oil works perfectly for you, but it might also take a few weeks of patiently awaiting the results to know for certain.
Psychiatrists often point towards a study that found 600mg of CBD to be effective at reducing the anxiety felt by participants who were set to give a public speech, but many find relief in a much lower and more manageable dose. Here, you will find some of the safest guidelines on the interweb for dosing with CBD oil for depression.
Step 1: Begin with the lowest dose possible of around 5-10mg of CBD.
Step 2: Take each dose according to a schedule that is set for one single dose every 8 hours.
Step 3: Wait at least one week to assess the results before increasing the dosage.
Step 4: Always remember that CBD stays in the body for a long time, and after a while, the element will build up in your system to the point where a lower dose will be just as effective. Hence, it is so important to log your success, and once you notice the felt symptoms begin to level out, you should be prepared to begin a reduction in the amount taken.
Best CBD oil for depression
The best CBD oil for depression will depend on your personal preference, as some patients seek a more intense feeling of relief, which CBD alone may not be able to provide. However, it really doesn’t matter which element combination works for you, as the rules surrounding the best and most effective oil are as follows:
- Pure CBD oil for non-psychoactive effects
- A combination including THC for more intense relief
- CBD oil is processed using gentler methods that do not require solvents or chemicals to achieve.
