CBD tinctures have become increasingly popular as more people look for natural ways to support their mental wellbeing. As someone who keeps up with wellness research, I want to explore what we know about CBD’s effects on mood.
Current research suggests that CBD may interact with receptors in our brain that help regulate emotions and stress responses. While early studies show promise for CBD’s potential to help with anxiety and mood, it’s important to note that research is still ongoing. The way CBD affects each person can vary, and what works for one individual may not work the same way for another.
I find it helpful to think of CBD as one potential tool among many for supporting emotional wellness, rather than a miracle solution. If you’re considering trying CBD for mood support, it’s always wise to discuss this option with your healthcare provider first.
This short article will address these questions and more.
Contents
What is a CBD Tincture?
Let me explain what CBD is and how it functions in our body. CBD, a natural compound found in hemp plants, works differently from THC, which is the component in cannabis that creates intoxicating effects. Instead of causing a “high,” CBD works with our body’s natural endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
Think of the ECS as a complex network in our body that helps maintain balance. It’s involved in regulating several important functions, including how we feel emotionally, how well we sleep, and even our appetite. When CBD enters our system, it interacts with this network, potentially supporting these natural processes.
What makes CBD particularly interesting is that it can support this system without causing impairment, making it a potentially valuable option for those seeking natural wellness support.
Can A CBD Tincture Improve Your Mood?
Based on current research findings, CBD tinctures show potential promise for supporting mood and emotional wellbeing. While studies are still in early phases, initial evidence suggests that CBD may help reduce feelings of anxiety and support a more balanced mood state.
However, it’s important to understand that research is ongoing, and scientists are still working to fully understand how CBD impacts our emotional wellbeing. Different individuals may experience varying results, and CBD should be considered as one potential component of a comprehensive approach to mental wellness, rather than a standalone solution. Before incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, consulting with healthcare professionals remains advisable.
CBD for Anxiety – What Does the Research Say?
Research into CBD’s effects on anxiety has shown promising developments over the past decade. In 2011, a groundbreaking study by Dr. José Alexandre Crippa at the University of São Paulo found that CBD significantly reduced anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder during public speaking tests.
A 2015 review by Dr. Esther Blessing at New York University School of Medicine analyzed multiple clinical trials from 2010-2014, concluding that CBD demonstrated considerable potential for treating various forms of anxiety. Their findings, published in Neurotherapeutics, highlighted CBD’s role in reducing stress response and improving anxiety-related sleep problems.
More recently, in 2019, Dr. Scott Shannon at the University of Colorado conducted a clinical trial with 72 patients experiencing anxiety and sleep issues. Published in The Permanente Journal, their research showed that 79% of participants reported lower anxiety levels after one month of CBD use.
A 2020 retrospective study led by Dr. Jessica Skelley at Samford University examined patient data from 2017-2019, finding consistent patterns of anxiety reduction among CBD users, though noting the need for larger controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Research on CBD and Depression
Studies exploring CBD’s potential impact on depression have been gaining momentum in recent years. In 2018, researchers at the University of São Paulo, led by Dr. Amanda Sales, published findings in Molecular Neurobiology showing that CBD demonstrated antidepressant-like effects in mice, with results visible within 30 minutes of administration.
A significant breakthrough came in 2019 when Dr. Gabriella Gobbi at McGill University conducted research published in Pain Journal. Her team discovered that CBD appeared to interact with serotonin receptors in a way that potentially supports mood regulation, similar to how traditional antidepressants work.
By 2021, a comprehensive review by Dr. Martin García-Arencibia at the University of Las Palmas analyzed data from multiple studies between 2016-2020. Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, their work suggested CBD might help reduce inflammation linked to depression, though they emphasized the need for more human trials.
CBD Tinctures for Improving Your Mood
When considering CBD tinctures for mood support, it’s essential to understand that individual responses can vary significantly. Just like how some people respond differently to certain foods or supplements, CBD’s effects aren’t uniform across all users. What might work exceptionally well for one person could have minimal impact on another.
Before incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, scheduling a consultation with your healthcare provider is a crucial step. Your doctor can review your current medications and health history to identify potential interactions. For example, CBD may affect how your body processes certain antidepressants, anxiety medications, and blood thinners. Your doctor can also help determine if underlying health conditions might influence CBD’s effectiveness or safety for you.
Additionally, your healthcare provider can guide you on proper dosing, timing, and what results you might realistically expect. They can also help monitor your progress and make adjustments to ensure you’re using CBD in the most beneficial way for your specific situation. This professional oversight helps ensure that any changes to your mood management strategy are both safe and effective.
Where Can I Buy a CBD Tincture?
It is critical to select a high-quality CBD tincture from a reputable company. Look for a CBD oil that has been third-party tested for purity and potency, and make sure the company provides a link to the Certificate of Analysis (i.e., the lab report). One such company is Premium Jane Australia.
Premium Jane has a wide range of CBD-based products, such as this CBD oil full-spectrum 1000mg. As it is a full-spectrum CBD oil, it contains other cannabinoids apart from CBD, including THC (up to 0.3%). It also contains terpenes and other hemp plant compounds, so consumers can potentially benefit from a phenomenon known as ‘the entourage effect.’ The theory behind the entourage effect is that cannabinoids work better synergistically rather than in isolation, thereby potentially offering more benefits to the consumer.
When selecting a CBD tincture, you should also consider the dosage. CBD dosage is determined by a number of factors, including your weight, the severity of your symptoms, and the concentration of the tincture. Most begin with a low dose before gradually increasing it until they find the right dose for them.
Final Thoughts
While a CBD tincture may help improve your mood, you should not consider it a replacement for professional mental health treatment. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, it is critical that you seek the assistance of a doctor or other mental health professional. Remember, CBD may be beneficial as a supplement to treatment, but it is not a substitute for therapy or medication.
In conclusion, while research is still in its early stages, there is some evidence that CBD may be beneficial for improving mood and reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Remember, before using a CBD tincture, make sure you consult with your doctor if you are taking any other prescription medications to avoid the CBD oil interacting negatively with them.
