Depression lies. That’s one of the truths about depression that just about any mental health professional will tell you. When you are dealing with depression, your mind is continually lying to you; telling you that you aren’t enough, that no one cares about you, and that you deserve every bad thing that’s ever happened to you.
It’s a dark, painful state of being to exist in, and that’s exactly why so many people who have struggled with this mood disorder have wondered whether CBD for depression might help.
While not everyone will experience these side effects, and while many of the reported side effects have been found to ease with continued use, for some patients, the side effects can become harder to deal with than the depression itself. It’s no wonder these patients turn to CBD for depression, hoping to find relief without the side effects.
Nearly all existing research in this area agrees there is a need for further studies as we work to improve our understanding of CBD’s mental health impacts. But what we know so far indicates the potential benefits of using CBD for depression.
How Does CBD Compare to Antidepressant Medications?
There is still a lot more research to be done before CBD can be declared a safe and effective treatment option for depression. But for patients resistant to the use of antidepressants, or those who have found antidepressants to be either non-effective or to have too many side effects, CBD for depression may be a viable alternative worth trying.
How Do I Use CBD For Depression?
If you’ve decided to give CBD for depression a try, you have a variety of options at your disposal. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find CBD edibles that allow you to easily control your dosing throughout the day via the consumption of yummy treats. Or you might decide you would prefer vaping your CBD in order to allow for the quickest effects as you feel stressed or depressed throughout the day.
The easiest and most common method of delivery, however, is CBD oil for depression.
CBD oil tends to be one of the more accessible and affordable options available. And for new users, it is often also the easiest to incorporate into a daily routine as it doesn’t require picking up a new habit (vaping), and the dosage can be controlled with relative simplicity.
Choosing a CBD brand to use often comes down to where you live and what is available to you. We have numerous reviews available for CBD products from reputable brands like Medterra, which offer products like Sleep Tight CBD gummies for a restful sleep, or CBDistillery, that carries Relief & Relax CBD oil in a low or high dose. Because not all CBD products are created equal, we recommend paying special attention to quality assurances, brand character, and customer service when selecting a CBD oil to try.
Deciding how much CBD oil for depression to use can vary quite a bit from person to person. The amount you may need will likely depend on factors such as your height, weight, lifestyle choices, and severity of symptoms. Our advice is always to start low and slowly build up your dose until you begin to feel a therapeutic difference. We have a great dosage chart to help guide you in these decisions as you are start out with CBD products.
Cautions About CBD for Depression
It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before adding anything new to your daily routine. This is especially true if you take CBD oil for depression alongside other, more traditional antidepressants. Your doctor needs to know what you are taking so that they can monitor for potential interactions and effects.
While some cannabis users may shy away from having this conversation for fear of being judged, remember: your doctor isn’t there to judge you. And with the rise in research and anecdotal evidence surrounding CBD, they are likely more open than you think to seeing if CBD could help you.
Please also remember that there are times when depression warrants immediate medical attention. If you are considering harming yourself or anyone else, text the Crisis Text Line (CONNECT to 741741), call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), or visit your local emergency room immediately.
No matter how long you’ve been trying to find relief for your symptoms of depression or how many treatment options you’ve tried—there is always something new that might work when nothing else has. And help is typically just a phone call away.
You matter. And your life, free of depression, is worth fighting for.
CBD for Depression FAQs
How will CBD work for my anxiety and depression?
Research into the benefits of CBD for anxiety and depression is still growing, but what we know so far suggests that CBD can have therapeutic benefits for a variety of mental health conditions. The only way to know for sure whether or not it will work for you is to give it a try (under the guidance of a medical professional).
How much CBD for depression?
Proper dosing of CBD oil for depression varies from person to person. It is always a good idea to start at a level that is likely too low to be beneficial and then work your way up until you experience a therapeutic difference. Our dosage chart can help get you started.
How to use CBD for depression?
Because there is not yet conclusive evidence into how CBD for depression might work best, you have a lot of options in choosing how to use CBD for depression. Whether using it alongside a traditional antidepressant or as the only tool in your depression-fighting arsenal, it is always a good idea to discuss your plans with a doctor and closely monitor your own symptoms as you determine whether or not CBD for depression works for you.
Living in Alaska, Leah Campbell has a degree in developmental psychology and has written extensively on topics relating to health and wellness. As a single mom with endometriosis, she relies on medical cannabis to function at her fullest and is an outspoken advocate for marijuana legalization and the end of disproportionate incarceration rates against men of color for marijuana related crimes. A writer for HuffPost, Parents, and Glamour, Leah has discussed these issues on national television, to include Good Morning America and The Tamron Hall Show.