Cannabidiol and Anxiety
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Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a popular treatment for anxiety. Cannabidiol is the second major component of Cannabis. This component compared to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) does not provide a hallucinogenic effect because it is not psychoactive and therefore can provide relief for anxiety.[1] Use of CBD to treat anxiety has the medical community divided. The most common way to administer CBD is through an oil solution that an individual can easily consume. This simple administration boosted entrepreneurs' creativity leading to dozens of CBD infused establishments.
Cultural Impact
editAfter success stories of CBD use began surfacing, CBD began booming in the medical field. CBD has been popular among the public because there have not been cases of misuse or abuse present due to CBD's nonaddictive properties.[2] After the 2018 farm bill, a number of cannabis and hemp products were removed from Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act.[3] This bill laid a path towards popular public use.
Use for Animals
editCBD has also become popular for treating anxiety in animals such as dogs. Just like humans, animals have an endocannabinoid system and can suffer from stressful situations. This allows dogs to experience the same symptoms of CBD as humans. Dogs though, are more sensitive to Cannabidiol and therefore require a smaller dosage than what would be given to a human.[4]
Administration
editThere are a variety of ways to administer CBD. The primary use of CBD is through an oil solution which can be mixed in with food or commonly drinks. It can also be administered by capsules, tinctures, topical lotions or balms, or edibles.[5]
Neurological Effects
editHuman studies have shown an increase and decrease in various areas of the brain. The limbic system of the brain is composed of the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions and sending information to the hippocampus to create a memory.[6] Results have demonstrated reduced activity in the amygdala-hippocampus complex, this change in activity is related with the anxiolytic effects seen after the administration of CBD in humans.[7]
References
edit- ^ "CBD vs. THC: Differences, benefits, and effects". www.medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
- ^ "Home" (PDF). www.who.int. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Abernethy, Amy (2019-07-25). "Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill - 07/25/2019". FDA. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ Beynen, Anton (October 2018). "CBD Treats for Dogs" (PDF). Creature Companion 2018: 46–47.
- ^ "Novel Approaches for Treating Pain in Children". login.ezproxy.neu.edu. doi:10.1007/s11912-019-0766-6. Retrieved 2020-04-04.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "How does our brain process fear? Study investigates". www.medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 2020-04-05.
- ^ Fusar-Poli, Paolo; Allen, Paul; Bhattacharyya, Sagnik; Crippa, José A.; Mechelli, Andrea; Borgwardt, Stefan; Martin-Santos, Rocio; Seal, Marc L.; O'Carrol, Colin; Atakan, Zerrin; Zuardi, Antonio W. (2010-05-01). "Modulation of effective connectivity during emotional processing by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol". International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 13 (4): 421–432. doi:10.1017/S1461145709990617. ISSN 1461-1457.