In 2018, Donald Trump signed the Farm Bill into law. Among other things, this piece of legislation made legal much of the sale of CBD and hemp, as well as research into this area. – This opens up an array of new potential research, but CBD may have a positive impact on depression and anxiety.
What’s CBD, you ask? First, what it’s not: Marijuana. It is not marijuana. CBD is short for cannabinoid oil, and it became legal to be sold after the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law.
Specifically, CBD is extracted from hemp plants. It works be manipulating your Endocannibinoid System, a part of your body which regulates a variety of bodily functions, including, potentially, your mood.
Here’s an important point though: While some research has been done, more research is DESPERATELY needed in order to determine CBDs usefulness, effectiveness, proper dosages, long-term impact, etc. At the moment, it is not widely regulated by the FDA, though the FDA has sent out cease and desist letters to some companies which have falsely marketed benefits yet to be proven by research.
Indeed, as of yet, there is no formal regulation when it comes to CBDs marketing or ensuring the quality of ingredients. For example, a 2017 Penn State study surveyed 81 CBD products and found that 70% were mislabeled. As such, if you’re going to purchase CBD, your best bet is to ensure that the label notes it has been independently tested. This means that a product has been evaluated by a 3rd party, and that 3rd party has determined that’s it’s labeling is accurate.
Okay. Enough about the legal disclaimers and warnings. What does the research show?
According to one 2014 study, CBD and Marijuana may show anti-depressant like effects. That finding was replicated in 2018, when a study showed that CBD has “anxiolytic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties” and may be useful in fighting a slew of problems, including PTSD and depression.
There’s additional research available, but it does seem clear: There’s opportunity here.
While CBD is not marijuana, and will not get you high like marijuana, some forms of CBD (namely Full Spectrum CBD) do contain trace amounts of marijuana. As such, if you ingest this type of CBD, you may feel some effects. Furthermore, it is possible for Full Spectrum CBD to show up on a drug test – so DON’T TAKE IT if that’s an issue for you.
Furthermore, you should not take any CBD product without consulting with your Doctor or medical professional first. While common side effects of CBD are relatively minor, there can be more problematic impacts for people with Parkinson’s, liver issues, or pregnant/nursing women.
Now that we’ve gotten the warnings out of the way: Is their potential for people with mental illness and CBD? I’d say yes. Anecdotal evidence and some research seems to indicate the potential for relief. Again, more research is needed. Again, don’t do anything without talking to a Doctor or medical professional first. But, yes. More research is now being conducted, this area does prove promising.
Mike Schlossberg - Author 