In this article we will tell you about the positive effects of cannabis to relieve stress. Not many are aware that hemp has many beneficial effects on mood-related problems and could be a natural and alternative remedy to classic drug-based treatments. Specifically we will tell you:
- Stress is a widespread problem
- What is CBD
- Is cannabis the future of antidepressants?
- How to take CBD
- Warnings for use
Stress is a widespread problem
We lead busy lives and this makes anxiety a common disorder. Much more common than you might think: in Italy it affects more than 8 million people, and at least half of these also suffer from depression or insomnia . It seems that anxiety is the disease of the century and unfortunately there are still no pharmacological treatments capable of treating it without contraindications. Anxiety is the body's natural response to danger and stress , but it can become pathological and chronic.
If you experience it for long periods, it can significantly impact your quality of life. Common symptoms of anxiety include a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, restlessness, decreased concentration, and sleep problems. When anxiety becomes chronic, every action seems burdensome and obstacles appear insurmountable. The most used medical system to deal with disorders of this type is taking anxiolytic drugs. These drugs, in addition to being very expensive, also have serious side effects i.e. they can trigger a real addiction.
What is CBD
CBD, also known as cannabidiol , is a substance contained in the cannabis plant, and belongs to the class of cannabinoids. Cannabis contains two active ingredients: THC, which is responsible for its psychoactive effect. And CBD, which has the ability to amplify and regulate the effects of THC. And also other cannabinoids. CBD is a versatile and precious substance, rich in beneficial properties: it has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects and is used in the treatment of many diseases.
CBD is experiencing sudden popularity: it is the active ingredient contained in the greatest quantity in legal hemp . It is nothing other than THC-free marijuana, marketed in Italy since January 2018. Light marijuana contains the same active ingredients as traditional marijuana, but in different and very small percentages.
CBD proves to be a precious ally for fight stress , It is known to induce a sense of calm and quiet in most people who take it. It seems that the effects are truly comparable to those of conventional drugs. It is therefore a potential alternative to traditional treatments : treating anxiety with legal hemp inflorescences is possible.
Many studies have been undertaken to understand the connections between CBD and the level of serotonin in the human body. In 2016, researchers at the National Institutes of Health - University of Utah, in collaboration with the University of California, conducted a study by administering a chemical substance that simulates CBD to mice. When researchers blocked serotonin receptors in mice, they found that the effects of CBD were no longer evident. This result suggests that there is indeed a relationship between cannabinoids and the serotonin system.
Is cannabis the future of antidepressants?
In a scientific study, comparing the anxiety levels of 50 individuals who smoked cannabis regularly and 50 who did not smoke at all, it was discovered that patients who smoked marijuana experienced much lower levels of anxiety than others . Although the dosage and mechanism of consumption require more research, the study concluded that CBD is an effective treatment for this psychological condition.
How to take CBD?
To arrive at the production of drugs that integrate traditional anxiolytics and cannabinoids, we will have to wait for research to obtain more certain data, continuing to experiment with the effects of CBD. Thanks to law 432/2016 , however, it is possible to take CBD directly and legally .
The most used method to consume light hemp is to smoke the inflorescences . This method of intake allows you to quickly enjoy the relaxing and calming effect of CBD. With combustion, CBD and other substances enter the lungs together with oxygen and, soon after, reach the circulatory system.
Light hemp can also be used to prepare relaxing herbal teas , adding the inflorescences to boiling water in an infuser. It is an alternative to chamomile or lemon balm infusions.
In fact, legal cannabis, like chamomile, contains substances called terpenes which have a calming effect and give the plant its particular aroma. CBD and terpenes amplify each other's action, giving rise to the well-known entourage effect of cannabinoids.
The combination of the substances contained in cannabis can significantly modify the action of the main active ingredients, improving their action and minimizing possible side effects.
Another solution is to take CBD crystals via vaporization , which allows you to enjoy all the benefits of CBD without suffering the damage of combustion . The most modern vaporizers allow you to manage your CBD intake in a very discreet way, since they do not generate large emissions of smoke or hemp odor.
Yet another solution is CBD oil , a concentrated extract diluted in oil and also available at high percentages. The oil can be taken as sublingual drops or together with water and drinks. CBD oil is mainly extracted from Cannabis Sativa and is a completely natural product. The oils that arrive on the market have concentrations ranging from 3% to 30% of active ingredient and are an excellent ally in the treatment of anxiety.
Warnings for use
Before starting to take CBD it is important to know its characteristics well. Not all legal hemp strains have the same effect . It may be useful to keep track of the effects and quantities taken by writing in a diary. This will help you know which cannabis strains work best, as well as the ideal dosage and frequency of intake.
Another factor to pay attention to is the level of THC contained in legal cannabis, which is not always the best medicine for fighting anxiety. It is important to consume light cannabis strains with a balanced THC:CBD profile, or with CBD dominance.
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