Stress, anxiety, depression… The current model of life makes that our psychological balance, sometimes, is altered. So far, nothing new. What is perhaps new for you is to know that in your body there is a system whose main role is to regulate these changes, the endocannabinoid. But what is the relationship between CBD, the endocannabinoid system, and mental health?
To find this link, the first thing to do is to take a look at the processes in which the endocannabinoid system is involved, because, although it is largely unknown to most people, it is involved in many of the body’s functions. For example, it is related to the release of neurotransmitters, with the perception we have of pain, and, even further, with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or hepatic work. In other words, it is in charge of regulating the body’s homeostasis, or simply put, the balance in the organism in the face of all internal and external conditioning factors.
So there is no ibuprofenoid system in the human body? Well, that’s just it.
As far as mental health is concerned, the endocannabinoid system acts, among others, in the regions of the brain that have to do with anxiety, fear, and stress. Its main components are involved in these reactions and their regulation: the CB1 receptors and the cannabinoids that the body produces naturally.
But the endocannabinoid system not only influences the most common mental ailments in our society. Experts, such as professors Francisco and Eduardo Molina-Holgado, consider it “a therapeutic target” in processes related to brain damage, ischemia, or chronic neurodegenerative diseases, due to its neuroprotective effects.
In fact, some of them recommend the use of CBD from the age of 70 as a mere preventive measure. The most common format for use by people looking to take care of their mental health is CBD oil, although CBD flowers are also the choice of others who want to relax at specific times. The format is a very personal matter. And vaping is also gaining popularity.
This is how CBD works in our heads
For everything to be in order inside us (spirit, coconut, brain, or whatever you want to call it), we need the body to generate anandamide, an organic chemical compound that regulates everything from mood to fears or tolerance to stress and anxiety.
An easy way to stimulate the endocannabinoid system is with the use of CBD, which increases the natural production of anandamide and inhibits the enzyme responsible for its metabolization (FAAH). This causes us to have more anandamide for a longer time in the body, which will improve our mental health.
Preclinical evidence already indicates the anxiolytic potential of CBD. Thus, there are scientific articles that indicate how cannabidiol facilitates the extinction of fear through CB1 receptors, reduces anxiety about speaking in public, or influences the improvement of post-traumatic stress.
There are even studies, such as the one published in the specialized neuroscience journal Translational Psychiatry, which indicate that cannabidiol leads to a significant increase in serum levels of anandamide, which, in clinical studies, is associated with the improvement of patients with schizophrenia, without them having to face the side effects of treatment with antipsychotics. Feel free to visit Hemponix to find additional tips and information.
