Depression disrupts the quality of life of over 300 million people every day. While some may get fleeting cases of depressive-like behavior, others develop more chronic disorders. With the stigma around mental illness finally lifting, more people are getting help to deal with their trauma. In 2018, 70.9 million anti-depression prescriptions were written compared to 36 million just 10 years prior.

Antidepressants are effective. Unfortunately, they also come with some unpleasant side effects for many users. From stomach pains to dependency to impotence, there are several reasons why someone would opt not to use an antidepressant. This decision doesn’t mean they should live their life in an internal torture. They just might need an alternative. For many, full spectrum CBD is that option.

While CBD is not a replacement for antidepressants, studies have shown it to be a strong supplement. Not only do molecules in hemp exhibit antidepressive behavior, but they’ve also shown to boost the effects of antidepressants. In addition, many of the benefits of CBD address side effects associated prescriptions. Let’s take a look at the strong connection between CBD and mental health and discover why full spectrum hemp oil may help your depression.

Full Spectrum CBD for Depression

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the primary molecules derived from cannabis. It’s a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp that helped spark the medical cannabis movement. With hemp-based CBD products now legal in all 50 states, more research about the benefits of this plant have come to light.

One study recently looked at the resilience of stress-induced mice. After being bred to exhibit depressive-like behaviors, the mammals were put through a swim test. The mice were administered a motor inhibitor and then CBD. Results found that the mice who supplemented with CBD oil exhibited anti-depressive characteristics.

Scientists realized that CBD influenced “brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-receptor kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (BDNF-TrkB-mTOR) signaling.” They found that higher levels of BDNF-TrkB-mTOR signaling activity were happening in the hippocampus of the brain. The hippocampal region is an essential part of how the body deals with depressive episodes.

Analyses found that neurons in the hippocampus become damaged in cases of long-term depression. However, studies show that antidepressants can help regenerate these neurons. Therefore, CBD may spark regeneration in the dorsal area of the brain.

Furthermore, the study involving the stress-induced mice found that one dose of CBD improved their disposition within an hour. Subsequently, that single dose of CBD enhanced the mice’s mood for an entire week! One of the researchers told PsyPost that those results are beyond what is generally “the case for conventional antidepressants.”

Full Spectrum CBD and Antidepressants

Another swim test conducted with rats suggests that CBD may improve how antidepressants work. CBD was co-administered with two antidepressants. One was fluoxetine (FLX), which helps the body generate serotonin. The other medication administered to the subjects was desipramine (DES), an adrenaline booster. Researchers found that CBD improved the effects of the medications.

Even more impressive, the mammals were also administered ineffective doses of all three. On their own, the rats would show no changes in demeanor. However, together, the three made a difference.

The analysis stated, “Ineffective doses of CBD (7 mg/kg), when co-administered with ineffective doses of FLX (5 mg/kg) or DES (2.5 mg/kg), resulted in significant antidepressant-like effects, thus implicating synergistic and/or additive mechanisms.”

Full Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect

So, how does adding CBD make something out of nothing? This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect, and not all CBD can elicit this sensation. The entourage effect is only available in full spectrum CBD oil.

When you see full spectrum on the label, it means the entire hemp plant was used in the manufacturing of the product. That means the formula is enriched with a litany of phytochemicals that are unique to the hemp plant. These molecules are known as cannabinoids.

Differences in CBD Oils

There have been at least 113 phytocannabinoids discovered in the hemp plant to date. When these compounds chemically react with one another, it creates a group synergy. Therefore, the potential benefits of CBD are heightened.

In the ever-growing CBD industry, you may notice some products say CBD isolate on the packaging. One may see these words on a label and assume that it means a stronger dose of CBD. However, that’s not the case.

CBD isolate means just CBD. While there are health benefits to using CBD isolate, you aren’t receiving the additional symbiotic benefits of the other cannabinoids found in hemp.

Using full spectrum hemp oil was essential for the results in both tests. That’s because these cannabinoids have a unique connection with a network of receptors known as the endocannabinoid system.

The Endocannabinoid System and Depression

Our bodies are equipped with an array of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors act as alarm systems for the body. They float around the body in search of inflammation, foreign bacteria, or other toxins. When cannabinoid receptors find an intruder, they send negative pulses through their axons.

These pathways have direct contact with many crucial areas of the body, including the limbic system. The limbic system is a network of nerves that regulates a lot of our emotional responses. Receptors triggered by inflammation, stress, and lack of sleep can cause bouts of fear, anxiety, and depression.

When the cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD products enter the bloodstream, they sense the upset the receptors. Cannabinoids bind and stimulate these signaling devices. This interaction transforms the conversation happening inside of your body. Instead of negative pulses, the receptors relay a sedated message. In turn, your mind may cease negative thoughts and no longer provoke feelings of dread or cause you to feel anxious.

Why Full Spectrum CBD for Depression

Life is too short to live it unhappily. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, it is imperative you seek help immediately. A day not seeking help is a day you don’t see to its fullest potential. The first thing you should do is talk to your physician. When you do, bring up using CBD as a way to supplement your wellness.

What’s so ideal about using full spectrum CBD for depression is that it’s not habit-forming. Tranquility Labs’ Serenity Hemp Oil is Farm Bill compliant. That means that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels are below 0.3%. Therefore, you will not experience psychoactive side effects with full spectrum CBD oil. You can safely use our products anywhere in the United States.

Unlike many of the antidepressants on the market, full spectrum CBD oil has no recorded side effects. In fact, many use CBD oil as a supplement to alleviate some of the unfavorable symptoms associated with taking antidepressants, such as binge eating and stomach pains.

Lastly, full spectrum CBD is complementary to your lifestyle. Research shows that CBD exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. If your insides are feeling better, your mind will feel better. In turn, you will be one step closer to living your best life.

Have you ever tried CBD for depression? Did you notice a difference? Share your experiences in the comments below!