Cannabis’ potential as a mental treatment has recently gained attention. It has proven especially useful in psychotherapy.
With laws loosening, it gives individuals opportunities to explore cannabis’ therapeutic uses. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, many individuals use medicinal cannabis as an alternative therapy to alleviate pain problems. Others suggest that the psychotropic plant could treat psychiatric problems such as depression.
While many individuals are aware of the potential health advantages of cannabis, few are familiar with the plant’s therapeutic effects, given the scarcity of research on the plant’s therapeutic properties, specifically on mental health disorders.
Cannabidiol (CBD), an active component in cannabis, may assist mental health disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Cannabis plants can generate up to 300 non-cannabinoids and 80 to 100 cannabinoid chemicals. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the two principal cannabinoid compounds found in cannabis plants. While THC produces psychoactive effects that cause users to become “high,” CBD may be able to lessen and control THC-induced psychological worst-case scenarios for the uninitiated.
Some think CBD can alleviate THC’s adverse psychological side effects, such as anxiety. According to Frontiers in Immunology, CBD has purported anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic, and neuroprotective capabilities. The study also said the non-psychoactive chemical might help treat:
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Sleep disorder
- Schizophrenia
CBD is a viable compound with potential medical benefits in the future. It can be safely consumed since there is no confirmation of lethal cannabis overdoses, and it has negligible adverse effects.
Treating Depression
A study from Frontiers in Psychiatry indicated that cannabis consumers experience less depression. Participants who took CBD-dominant products reported considerably lower levels of depression than those who did not.
Compared to the control group, cannabis consumers reported minor discomfort, better sleep, and a higher quality of life. These effects may have been due to the interconnected nature of good health signals and depression.
In addition, the researchers observed the initiation of therapeutic cannabis use links to a considerable reduction. Individuals who did not use cannabis had no change in symptom manifestation.
Thus, medical cannabis has a demonstrably consistent antidepressant effect.
Reduce Anxiety
CBD appeared to help lessen anxiety in one simulated public speaking test. Volunteers in the research who took CBD had reduced anxiety levels and negative self-assessment ratings than those who got a placebo.
Cannabis in all its forms has been proven to reduce anxiety generated by a range of situations.
In addition to incorporating cannabis as the primary solution for psychotherapy, one of the best ways to relieve mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression is by incorporating mindfulness meditation. Motherhood Community provides helpful and valuable information on various mental stimulation techniques.
Treating Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders, also termed sleep-wake disorders, disrupt the schedule, quality, and amount of sleep, producing distress during the day. REM sleep behavior disturbance, sleep apnea, daytime dysfunction, and insomnia are examples of these conditions.
Research suggests that CBD may help cure some sleeping issues. According to a 2017 research survey, CBD may have therapeutic effects on insomnia. The report also indicated that synthetic cannabinoids such as dronabinol and nabilone might cure sleep apnea temporarily. It may also help individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder, chronic daytime drowsiness, and PTSD-related nightmares.
Furthermore, a 2019 study from the Permanente Journal ties CBD to decreased anxiety and improved sleep ratings in patients with sleep or anxiety concerns.
Cannabis in PTSD Psychotherapy Treatment
One of the relevant study topics for CBD application is treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
A 2019 study evaluating the clinical advantages of CBD in individuals with PTSD showed that providing oral CBD may help lessen PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, several CBD users reported alleviation from frequent PTSD-related dreams.
Military troops who consume cannabis after returning from battle reported advancements in managing and treating PTSD. As a result, veterans and their therapists have pushed for more research and relaxation of official cannabis regulations.
Experts have undertaken considerable research that suggests many potential benefits and medical uses of CBD in treating psychiatric diseases. However, CBD research is still in its early phases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers CBD as having no detrimental side effects that could lead to addiction or dependence.
You can purchase most CBD products online. However, it is best to make direct purchases from the CBD brand’s official website. Moreover, consumers should choose CBD products that have completed laboratory testing.
(Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels)
