When it comes to marijuana, it doesn’t always get a good spin. However, as more research is conducted on CBD, more benefits are being discovered.
In fact, there’s some growing evidence to suggest that CBD may have a positive effect on patients experiencing psychosis. Schizophrenia is a common cause of this symptom.
Let’s take a closer look between the possible link between hemp CBD and psychosis.
What is Psychosis?
This is a condition that causes a person to believe things are real, even when they’re not. There could be imaginary images or sounds associated with psychosis. It can affect how a person talks and behaves, and it could be accompanied by anxiety and depression.
Psychosis itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of mental illness including schizophrenia. It can be caused by trauma, as well as drug abuse. Interestingly, using marijuana (with the psychoactive component THC) at a young age is suspected to be one of the causes, though the science demonstrating this is sketchy.
Young people are especially prone to psychosis, but doctors aren’t yet completely sure why.
CBD from Hemp
CBD – it’s full name cannabidiol – can be derived from variations of the cannabis plant. However, the hemp plant is high in CBD and very low in THC, while the marijuana plant is the opposite.
In fact, hemp plants have a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less. In contrast, THC concentration can be as high as 30 percent in marijuana plants, leading to the feeling of being “high.” CBD is the non-psychoactive component.
What’s also important to note is that while CBD from marijuana is legal in only some states, hemp is legal in all of them. This is the result of the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing producers to grow and sell hemp products as long as they follow particular guidelines. Essentially, industrial hemp has been removed from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
As long as the CBD is produced from hemp and not marijuana, there aren’t any legal repercussions attached to it.
The Possible Link Between CBD and Psychosis
Studies have begun to see the possible impacts of CBD on psychosis. A recent randomized clinical trial found that CBD may help people at high risk of the condition. The study suggests that CBD may help normalize function in three key areas of the brain by resetting them.
This trial involved 33 participants who were showing symptoms of psychosis, while another smaller group had no symptoms. A dose of CBD was given to half of the group that had symptoms and the other half received a placebo. To measure results, all of the participants were given a memory test to measure particular areas of the brain linked to psychosis.
Using brain scans, it was shown that the group with symptoms that were given CBD had fewer irregularities in their brain function than their counterparts. However, it’s not yet known if this result is a short-term or long-term benefit.
Another study looked specifically at six Parkinson’s disease patients that were showing psychotic symptoms. Along with usual therapy, all of the patients were also given CBD. After four weeks, the participants showed fewer symptoms related to psychosis, and there were no noted side effects.
Currently, antipsychotic medications and therapy are the go-to and only approved treatments for schizophrenia. This type of medication is thought to help balance out the amount of a brain chemical called dopamine. However, they can carry heavy side effects.
For example, some of the side effects of antipsychotic medications include fatigue or restlessness, as well as weight gain, blurred vision, and a higher risk of developing diabetes. Meanwhile, CBD may cause some fatigue and irritability, but generally, the side effects appear to be more tolerable.
CBD Could Be Helpful For Other Conditions
While federal rules prohibit advertising CBD as a treatment for a particular condition, people are buying CBD for a variety of reasons.
For example, CBD has been shown to have multiple benefits. There’s also research that suggests CBD may be helpful for those with neurological conditions. In fact, the FDA has already approved CBD products aimed at treating childhood epilepsy.
More Research is Needed
Early findings of CBD and psychosis benefits are promising. However, more research needs to be conducted to prove it as an effective long-term treatment. Research is being directed not only at the possible benefits of CBD on people who already have certain conditions but also as a preventative measure for young people at risk of developing mental illness.
The bottom line is that CBD is relatively safe and has fewer side effects than many prescription drugs. This makes it ideal for those who can’t tolerate certain drugs.
Cannabis actually contains more than 150 different cannabinoids, which opens the door to more research about possible therapeutic benefits.
You Can Relax When Choosing CBD
Not only is there a potential positive link between CBD and psychosis, as well as neurological disorders, but it has also already been shown as a safe way to relax and unwind after a long day.
CBD can help counteract stress without the intoxicating effects that alcohol and marijuana produce. There’s also some evidence that suggests CBD might be a way for those with insomnia to finally get some quality rest, but more research is needed in that area as well.
Unlike some treatments, patients don’t seem to build a tolerance to CBD. This means you won’t have to take higher doses in the future to get the same effects. CBD is also not addictive and won’t leave you feeling hazy as you try to complete the day’s tasks. It can also be taken discreetly with a dropper.
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