3 Easiest Ways To Use CBD For Mental Illnesses – A-Grade Hydroponics
Disclaimer: Please check the legality of CBD and cannabis based products in your area before you consider using CBD as a treatment for any medical conditions or mental illnesses. In Australian law, Cannabis is a classified as a illicit drug, however some states have legalised the medical use of Cannabis and CBD products when prescribed by a doctor.
CBD oil is legal to take in Victoria. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a schedule 4 prescription medicine that any GP, local doctor or specialist can prescribe.
The legalisation of Marijuana in several states across the USA has provided scientists and medical doctors the opportunity to study the true potential of this plant. Over the past several years, we have discovered that the properties of Marijuana can be used to treat many illnesses. In most cases, more safely than some prescription drugs.
One of the most impactful properties of Marijuana has been Cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is an oil naturally derived from the hemp plant. New research suggests that using CBD for mental illnesses is highly effective.
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What is CBD?
CBD is a property of the hemp plant, and it contains naturally occurring chemicals known as cannabinoids. Our body organically makes cannabinoids when we’re doing things that make us happy. Cannabinoids are released when we’re close to someone we love or partake in a hobby.
When our body naturally makes cannabinoids, they bind to our cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are key in helping us experience a “feel-good” sensation. These receptors are part of our Human Endocannabinoid System. The Human Endocannabinoid system is responsible for keeping harmony in the body through changes in our environment.
CBD mimics the natural cannabinoids produced by the body to help us maintain harmony. CBD stops the breakdown of cannabinoid molecules, helping our bodies and minds stay stable. CBD comes from the hemp plant, but it doesn’t make you high. Unlike its cousin THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Because of this, you can find it legally in all 50 states.
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CBD for Mental Illnesses
Research suggests that CBD can help alleviate the symptoms of some mental illnesses. CBD for mental illnesses has numerous upsides compared to some prescription drugs commonly used to treat mental conditions.
Several studies have been conducted on the use of CBD, such as social anxiety, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis, and even Autism. They discovered CBD could help with feelings of loneliness, panic, and general unease.
Many studies found that those who took CBD experienced the same relief with fewer side effects than prescription drugs like valium or antipsychotics.
Unlike some prescription drugs used to treat mental illness, CBD is not habit-forming. CBD does have physically relaxing effects on the body without affecting the respiratory system, like most opioids. The FDA recently approved the use of CBD for the treatment of childhood epilepsy, meaning it’s safe for both children and adults.
How to take CBD for Mental Illnesses
There are multiple ways to ingest CBD. Remember that everyone is different, and what works for you may not work for others. Below we will explore the three easiest ways to use CBD for mental illnesses.
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Vaping and Smoking CBD
You can purchase CBD flower or CBD oil vape cartridges to use in a vaporiser. You can also inhale CBD wax with any vape pen designed for concentrates and will feel the effects of vaping or smoking CBD much faster than other methods.
Because the CBD enters your bloodstream faster when vaping or smoking, you will feel the effects in approximately 10 minutes. In this time, you will absorb up to 56% of the CBD. Keep in mind that pre-existing lung conditions can be negatively affected by vaping or smoking.
Eating CBD
You can take CBD through weed edibles, which is easier on your lungs and respiratory system. Edibles come in many forms, such as gummies, CBD chocolate, and candies. Edibles taste good, but they do take longer to kick in.
When eating CBD, your body partially breaks down the cannabinoid in your liver and digestive tract. This causes the CBD to take up to 2 to 3 hours to kick in. You only absorb 20% to 30% of the CBD you consume, along with the long wait time.
Oral CBD
Other than eating CBD, you can take it orally in several different ways. CBD tinctures, lozenges, and sprays are applied under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Taking CBD orally bypasses the cannabinoid’s break down in your liver and digestive tract, allowing more of the CBD to be absorbed. Taking CBD orally also enables you to feel the results faster than eating CBD.
Along with tinctures, sprays, and lozenges, you can take CBD capsules. CBD capsules are typically gel with the CBD mixed with a solvent such as a coconut oil extract for precise dosing. Oral CBD is great if you’re trying to avoid added sugars and preservatives in your diet.
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Dosing CBD
If you’re new to using CBD for mental illness, you may want to start with 15mg of CBD once or twice a day. If you have pre-existing medical conditions or take prescription medication, we recommend you speak with your doctor before deciding on a dose.
CBD can interact with prescription medication such as antidepressants, blood thinners, and antibiotics. Everyone’s experience with CBD is different, so you must talk with your doctor to find out what works best for you.
Final Thoughts
Research has discovered that CBD can be highly effective in treating some mental illness. CBD cannabinoids bind with the cannabinoid receptors to prevent the break down of molecules that stabilise mood and body function.
Three of the best ways to use CBD is through smoking/vaping CBD directly, resulting in faster effects. Keep in mind that smoking and vaping can be harmful to lung function. You can also eat CBD through edibles like candy and chocolate, even though it will take 2 to 3 hours to feel the effects. You can take CBD orally through tinctures, sprays, and lozenges.
CBD can be an effective alternative to prescription drugs used for mental illness. Talk to your doctor about accurately dosing CBD, especially if you are on prescription medicine such as blood thinners, antidepressants, or antibiotics.
CBD products can be found in many different forms from various dispensaries across the United States and Canada, such as GetKush.oi or WeedSmart, where you can purchase CBD and weed edible products, however the laws within Australia are very different as THC is illegal in all states, but CBD is classified as a prescription medicine that any GP, local doctor or specialist can prescribe.
This was a guest article written by Jessica of The CBD Global
