CBD and Stress-Response Research
Updated: 2 days ago
Research on CBD includes stress-response signaling.
Understanding why CBD and other cannabinoids are powerful health agents for your body’s health
The body’s naturally occurring cannabinoids
A naturally occurring lipid-signaling molecule, endocannabinoids play a vital role in maintaining biological harmony and neuronal plasticity – how the brain adapts to change.
What are endocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring lipid signaling molecules that are found in the body, and that mediate normal physiological functions. The endocannabinoids appear to have evolved in the brain to maintain biological harmony and to reduce excessive and damaging excitability of neurons. They also play a role in neuronal plasticity, that is, how the brain adapts to change.
The two major endocannabinoids that have been discovered are:
anandamide (ananda is the Sanskrit word for bliss), and
2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG).
Researchers examine how cannabinoid signaling interacts with ECS pathways.
There are several mechanisms of action by which the endocannabinoids exert their effects. The classic understanding of the ECS (ECS) is well documented as it happens within our nervous system. The more complex picture involves almost every cell in the body. It is involved in the homeostasis (balance) of nearly all of our bodily systems. Underactive or hyperactive ECS is implicated in many different diseases and disorders, including mental health conditions.
To learn more about the some of complexities of the human ECS, visit the ECS article in our resource library.
CBD and Stress-Response Signaling
Stress is one of the most important and overlooked pathological factors in many illnesses. It is often difficult to quantify, and sometimes hard to describe. Stress has become a feature of modern life, and while some level of stress in our lives may be useful and serves purpose in survival instincts, chronic and unrelenting prolonged, overwhelming and extreme stress affects our mental and physical health.
The relationship between stress and inflammation is well known. There is increasing evidence that excessive inflammation plays a key role in stress-related diseases. In fact, it has been estimated that 75-90% of all diseases are related to the activation of the stress system.
The ECS (ECS) regulates our responsiveness to stress and emotional behavior. It is also involved in the regulation of mood, anxiety, reward, and fear response. When there is a disruption of ECS signaling (altered by stress), the pathways for stress response modulation stop working efficiently creating an imbalance.
ECS research includes stress-response, immune, metabolic, and neurological signaling.
Research on CBD includes multiple signaling pathways associated with the ECS.
What is the best form of CBD to take?
The best form of product matches the user’s preferred lifestyle and tastes. Sublingual tinctures generally absorb faster than capsules. A program might include both approaches.
Age and body mass are rough guides for dosing of cannabinoids. Users that are over the age of 70 may want to start with ½ of the recommended dose.
CBD studies have reported changes in stress-response measures. Not only do plant-derived cannabinoids allow for lower amounts to achieve benefits, they also can reduce adverse effects.
Terpenes, such as beta-caryophyllene may also be a significant part of the blend that complement cannabinoids. Using the whole plant represents variations of the “entourage effect”, which can dramatically increase potency and effectiveness, in contrast to using the isolated components of the cannabinoid profile.
In a retrospective case series of 72 adults receiving CBD alongside usual psychiatric care, anxiety scores decreased in 79.2% of patients during the first month. Read the clinical case series. This was an observational study of CBD use, with no placebo comparison. Lifestyle, nutrition and environmental factors also contribute to stress management.
We always recommend an integrative approach to helping people heal.
Are you unsure where to start?Dr. Blair is available for personal consultationsto help you determine the best cannabinoid products and dosages that fit your specific healthcare concerns.
Learn more about CBD and other cannabinoids on ourCBD resource page.
Research references
Bergamaschi et al. (2011): CBD and public-speaking anxiety. A double-blind randomized study in 24 people with social anxiety disorder compared a single 600 mg CBD dose with placebo before simulated public speaking and measured anxiety, discomfort and cognitive impairment.
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