Although larger studies are needed, current research suggests CBD may be an effective way to help manage anxiety and depression symptoms.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of natural compound known as a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are found in the cannabis plant. Another popular cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

THC is associated with a “high.” CBD, however, does not cause psychoactive effects.

CBD can be derived from the hemp or cannabis plant.

CBD has seen a surge in popularity in recent years as new research explores its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that CBD oil and other CBD products may be beneficial for symptoms of depression.

If you’re looking into using CBD for therapeutic purposes, it’s important to understand that the research around CBD is limited. There have been a lot of studies in the last decade, but most of them were done using animals.

That means that while the possible benefits of CBD for depression are promising, larger-scale studies in humans are needed.

Still, CBD does appear to have some benefits for depression, such as for managing:

  • depression-related anxiety
  • cognitive impairment
  • discomfort before public speaking

THC and CBD may also be helpful for conditions potentially related to depression, such as chronic pain.

Experts believe that CBD’s potential benefits for depression are related to its positive effect on serotonin receptors in the brain.

Low serotonin levels are likely connected to depression. CBD doesn’t necessarily boost serotonin levels, but it may affect how your brain’s chemical receptors respond to the serotonin that’s already in your system.

A 2018 review of studies concluded that CBD has anti-stress effects, which may reduce depression related to stress.

As mentioned, this area is still being actively studied, and new research and reviews are published every year. As researchers begin to better understand CBD and its potential benefits or concerns, information about how to use the product most effectively will continue to change.

When it comes to treating depression, CBD does appear to have some benefits over antidepressants.

Most antidepressants take weeks to start working. However, a 2019 animal study found that CBD has a fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect.

CBD may also result in fewer side effects than antidepressants. Insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood changes, and agitation are common side effects of antidepressants. CBD has not shown similar issues.

Caution

While CBD may offer some benefits over antidepressants, it’s not a replacement. Never stop taking prescribed medication, especially antidepressants, without talking with your healthcare professional first.

Abruptly stopping medication that’s been prescribed to you can cause serious side effects. If you want to stop taking medication, work with your healthcare professional to come up with a plan for gradually decreasing your dosage.

Depression and anxiety commonly occur together. CBD appears to help with both.

According to a 2020 review, CBD may help with anxiety by interacting with cannabinoid and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, which play a role in mood and stress. Early studies suggest it can reduce anxiety without the risk of addiction.

So far, CBD doesn’t appear to cause many side effects. But some people may be more sensitive to it and experience:

  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • changes in weight or appetite

One 2019 animal study found that receiving doses of CBD-rich cannabis extracts can cause liver toxicity in mice. However, some of the mice received unusually high doses of CBD.

It’s hard to know if CBD causes any long-term side effects due to a lack of research. So far, experts haven’t identified any major long-term risks.

Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean there aren’t any risks. It simply means that researchers haven’t encountered any yet.

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that CBD is generally safe in its pure state. The WHO noted that adverse effects may be caused by interactions between CBD and medications.

To minimize your risk of side effects, make sure to talk with a healthcare professional before trying CBD.

This is important if you take over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, or prescription medications, especially those that come with a grapefruit warning. Both CBD and grapefruit affect cytochromes P450 (CYPs), a family of enzymes important to drug metabolism.

CBD is available in four formulations:

  • Oral: This includes tinctures, capsules, sprays, and oils. These mixes can be taken as they are or used in other preparations, such as smoothies or coffee.
  • Edible: Drinks and foods, such as CBD-infused gummies, are now widely available.
  • Vaping: Vaping with CBD oil is one way to quickly ingest the compounds. However, there’s some debate over the long-term safety of this method. In addition, it can also cause coughing and throat irritation.
  • Topical: CBD-infused beauty products, lotions, and creams are a big business right now. These products incorporate CBD into things you apply directly to your skin. However, this formulation is likely best for pain, not mental health uses.

If you want to try CBD, you’ll need to find a reputable seller. Hemp-derived CBD is widely available in many areas. You may even find it in some health food stores. Cannabis-derived CBD is only sold in dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal for medicinal or recreational use.

If you’re interested in buying CBD, look for reputable brands. You can usually determine whether a brand is reputable by checking whether it conducts third-party lab testing of its products.

You can find many gummies, lotions, and oils for sale online.

CBD is becoming an increasingly popular remedy for a range of health issues, including depression symptoms. If you’re interested in trying CBD, talk with your healthcare professional.

While studies show the compound is generally safe, it may interact with medications. It’s a good idea to review medications and other supplements you’re taking with a healthcare professional before you begin using CBD.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.