Effect of CBD on the psyche: Opportunities for mental health
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Time to read 6 min
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Time to read 6 min
Persistent stress, anxiety disorders, and depression are increasing, and more and more people are looking for help beyond traditional antidepressants. In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD)-based products have established themselves as a helpful alternative.
But how exactly does CBD affect the psyche, and for which complaints is its use appropriate? What does research say: Can CBD help with depression, anxiety, and the like, or is it just another hype?
And most importantly: Is CBD dangerous for people with mental illnesses, or can it even trigger them? This article provides clarity!
Table of Contents
Studies on animals suggest that CBD has an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. Studies on human subjects are not conclusive but indicate that CBD can provide relief for various symptoms.
Unlike THC, another active ingredient from the hemp plant, there is no risk of overdose or psychotic episodes with CBD intake. CBD is not psychoactive and merely has a relaxing effect.
Various CBD products can help improve mental well-being and alleviate mood swings, anxiety, or insomnia, for example. Those unfamiliar with CBD oil can find easy-to-use alternatives in sprays.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) and fundamentally differs from the intoxicating THC, which is also derived from the female hemp plant.
Studies suggest that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), thereby unfolding its comprehensive effects. The ECS is a network of receptors and enzymes in the body involved in the regulation of emotions, stress, and sleep, thus having a significant influence on overall well-being.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is known for its psychoactive and stimulating effects, particularly through its influence on various neurotransmitters in the ECS, including serotonin, which has long been attributed a significant role in depression ¹. Although this view is now being questioned ², it is believed that an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the ECS exacerbates depressive symptoms, while a balanced neurotransmitter level can alleviate depressive states.
As a psychoactive cannabinoid, THC was legalized in Germany for medical use in 2017 and is only available by prescription. Studies ³ suggest that THC influences dopamine levels, which can trigger symptoms such as hallucinations or paranoia in some people.
In contrast, CBD is not intoxicating. In fact, CBD oils seem to be able to mitigate the negative effects of THC ⁴.
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CBD is known for its relaxing effect, achieved partly by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. This is particularly useful for those who regularly experience high stress levels. Studies confirm CBD's calming effect. (5)
CBD can help restore emotional balance without causing the side effects of traditional medications. Studies ⁵ and testimonials confirm CBD's effectiveness in generally reducing nervousness and tension.
Restful sleep helps you feel good overall and thus keep your psyche healthy. Thanks to its calming effect, CBD can help you fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. Special CBD-based sleep products support your healthy sleep with the help of other active ingredients such as melatonin and chamomile.
CBD could also have a mood-lifting effect. Studies suggest that CBD indirectly influences the serotonin system, which plays a central role in mood. Accordingly, regular CBD consumption in low doses could lead to a more balanced emotional life.
CBD could also have a mood-lifting effect. Studies suggest that CBD indirectly influences the serotonin system, which plays a central role in mood. Accordingly, regular CBD consumption in low doses could lead to a more balanced emotional life.
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Sufferers often look for alternatives to classic antidepressants, as these often come with side effects and other unwanted effects. Even if it is assumed that the positive effect of CBD can also help with depression: The effect of CBD on depression has not been conclusively clarified ⁶.
If you suffer from severe depressive moods, anxieties, and depression, you should therefore only use CBD as a supportive measure and definitely seek medical advice.
Stress reduction: CBD oil can help reduce stress and promote an overall feeling of relaxation.
Anxiety disorders: Many users report relief from anxiety and nervousness by taking CBD oil.
Depression: CBD oil is used by some as a supportive measure to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Sleep disorders: CBD can help improve sleep and reduce insomnia by promoting relaxation.
Pain relief: CBD oil is often used to treat chronic pain, arthritis, and inflammatory diseases.
Even though CBD generally has very few side effects: A few side effects are possible, which are generally mild. If you observe these in yourself, reduce the dose if necessary and, if in doubt, consult your treating doctor.
In higher doses, CBD can lead to drowsiness. Therefore, start with a low dose to test your individual reaction.
CBD can affect the action of medications that are broken down by the liver. If you are already undergoing treatment and are taking other medications, please speak to your doctor before taking CBD.
Dry mouth or changes in appetite are rare side effects of CBD. However, these usually subside quickly.
Taking CBD to promote your well-being and mental health is easy and flexible. At Hanfgeflüster, you'll find CBD oil as drops or spray in different dosages - so you can gradually approach the perfect dose.
CBD drops are placed directly under the tongue, allowing the cannabidiol to enter the bloodstream particularly quickly. This method is well suited for acute stress situations to quickly find relaxation.
If you don't like the taste of pure CBD oil, our sprays offer a practical alternative. The hemp oil is often mixed with essential oils, which somewhat mitigates the hemp taste.
We recommend starting with a low dosage, e.g., with our 5% full-spectrum CBD oil. Increase gradually as needed by either choosing an oil with a higher CBD content or taking a larger number of drops.
Generally: CBD should be taken regularly over a longer period to reduce stress and promote your inner balance in the long term.
"A friend told me about CBD oil, I tried it and I'm thrilled. The drops help with my racing thoughts, especially when I want to fall asleep. Suddenly I'm gone and haven't noticed anything. I wake up refreshed and alert."
"I've had a very strenuous time at work, and Hanfgeflüster helped me find peace and relax to recharge my batteries. Thank you very, very much for that!"
"I ordered the 10% CBD oil and take 3 drops in the morning and evening as a start. I am pleasantly surprised; I am more relaxed, and my very tense muscles have loosened up. I also notice that I can approach stress and problems more calmly. A great help!!"
You can find more testimonials here:
Sources and Studies
¹ Coppen, A. (1967). The biochemistry of affective disorders. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 113(504), 1237-1264.
² Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., et al. (2023). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry, 28(10), 3243–3256.
³ Murray, R. M., Englund, A., Abi-Dargham, A., & Di Forti, M. (2017). Cannabis-associated psychosis: Neural substrate and clinical impact. The Lancet Psychiatry, 4(3), 230-240.
⁴ Schwarz, E., O'Neill, A., & Reilly, M. (2011). Cannabidiol (CBD) reduces the effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on cognitive performance and psychotic-like symptoms. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 120-131.
⁵ Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: A randomized crossover study. Psychopharmacology (Berl), 238(7), 1965–1977.
⁶ de Mello Schier, A. R., de Oliveira Ribeiro, N. P., Coutinho, D. S., Machado, S., Arias-Carrión, O., Crippa, J. A., Zuardi, A. W., Nardi, A. E., & Silva, A. C. (2014). Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: A chemical compound of Cannabis sativa. CNS Neurology and Disorders Drug Targets, 13(6), 953-960.