Depression and CBD

Cannabidiol could be highly effective in depression by providing immediate and sustained anti-depressant effects. New evidence suggests that depression is an inflammatory condition of the brain and closely associated with chronic inflammatory conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. CBD is a superb anti-inflammatory agent that readily crosses the blood brain barrier to quench those fires. In addition recent studies have revealed another pathway for CBD to relieve depression by modulating mood altering neurotransmitters of serotonin and glutamate.Current medical treatments for depression typically take considerable time to take effect and are frequently associated with numerous undesirable side effects like weight gain and the risk of suicide. Until the drugs reach therapeutic levels in the blood stream the patient continues to suffer, sometimes for weeks. CBD appears effective in both immediate and extended application.
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and sense of well-being. People with a depressed mood can feel many different ways. They may lose interest in activities that were once pleasurable, experience loss of appetite or overeating, have problems concentrating and may contemplate, attempt or commit suicide. Insomnia, excessive sleeping, fatigue, aches, pains, digestive problems or reduced energy may also be present. CBD appears to be effective for all of these symptoms.
A medical literature review found 10 trials had evaluated the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (n = 4258) and 4 investigated cytokine inhibitors (n = 2004). The pooled effect estimate suggested that anti-inflammatory treatment reduced depressive symptoms by 34% compared with placebo. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(12):1381-1391.
More science showed that the endocannabinoid (eCB) system, our personal endogenous lipid signaling system, appears to be disordered in depression. eCB is a potent modulator of immune system and could play a role in the chronic low-grade inflammation of depression. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Oct 20.
In animal studies cannabidiol (CBD), exerts fast and sustained antidepressant-like effects through enhanced serotonin and glutamate levels. While chronic CBD exerted adaptive changes in pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptor functionality. Neuropharmacology. 2016 Apr;103:16-26.
Dr. Blair comments: Clients with depression using CBD have frequently reported immediate and lasting benefit from the use of CBD without side effects allowing the immediate tapering of other medications without withdrawal symptoms or relapse. In addition to mood improvement other changes also occur in activity, sleep, energy, socialization and communication. Underlying inflammatory conditions, perhaps in lifestyle, should be addressed to sustain the benefits and reduce the need for CBD.
Acute dose: 30mg/day, adjust to specific needs, taper other drugs after improvement.


Study: Cannabidiol induces rapid-acting antidepressant-like effects and enhances cortical 5-HT/glutamate neurotransmission: role of 5-HT1A receptors.