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Mental Health and Cannabis – The Top Facts to Know for Awareness Month!

Mental Health Awareness Month brings us the opportunity to shine a light on new, natural methods of treatment. Although cannabis has been lit itself, for thousands of years, researchers are just now diving into its potential benefits for mental health.

But many consumers who have been consuming cannabis for quite some time don’t have to wait for the scientific evidence. They know cannabis and its unique composition help to make them feel good, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

So, is cannabis for mental health ‘the real deal’ beyond what so many of us have experienced on our own? Let’s find out, to join in the Mental Health Awareness Month movement in spreading awareness, support, and advocacy for those who suffer.

mental health matters

THC vs CBD for Mental Health

By now, you’ve probably heard some preliminary research on THC’s link to psychiatric disorders. Or, you’re at least aware of the paranoia or anxiety that can sometimes ensue. Which begs the question, which is better…THC vs CBD for mental health?

It’s no secret that getting high can be stress-relieving, but early studies are inconclusive on whether THC can hurt or help mental health. So far, researchers have found that certain doses or durations of THC use may be linked to schizophrenia. While, other evidence suggests THC may be beneficial for mood, anxiety, sleep, psychotic disorders, and ADHD too.

On the other hand, research is proving more definitively that CBD could be therapeutically beneficial for a variety of mental health conditions. If you’re a newbie to THC and CBD, let’s brush up on some basics. CBD is a cannabinoid that works similarly to THC without the ability to produce a psychoactive high.

By interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD has been proven to interact with and influenceserotonin receptors—AKA the happy chemical. And, there are other receptors in the brain that influence anxiety and fear (which obviously affect mental health!).

So, are these unique interactions the key to CBD mental health benefits? Let’s find out with some of the most profound research collected thus far on cannabis mental health benefits.

Cannabis Benefits for Mental Health – All the Facts

While more research is needed before doctors can prescribe CBD in the same way that sleeping pills anddepression medications are, scientists are discovering some exciting potential benefits in cannabis for mental health. Here’s a breakdown of what we know –

  • One study with adults who suffered from anxiety and poor sleep found that 66% experienced improvementsin sleep quality scores after a month of taking 25mg of CBD

  • But, CBD’s benefits don’t stop when your eyes are open. Research studies on both animals and humans have found that using CBD for mental illness might help lower feelings of isolation, reduce the effects of PTSD, and even relieve autism symptoms. This may be due to the fact that CBD shows the potential tocalm the brain and support the hippocampus, a key area for healthy memory and

  • Another study on cannabis benefits for mental health showed that CBD could reduce social anxiety in a way that compared to traditional prescription

  • 2015 study review published results that proved CBD’s efficacy for potentially treating the following anxiety conditions:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder

    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

    • Panic disorder

    • Social anxiety

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that an oral dose of CBD, in addition to routine psychiatric treatment for PTSD, was linked with a reduction in symptoms.

All in all, this research suggests that CBD may be a useful holistic ally for those seeking to heal more naturally from mental health conditions. 

But, let’s not forget that just because all this CBD research is promising, doesn’t mean you’re suddenly a mental health expert. Before throwing prescription meds out the window, changing your routine, and using cannabis for mental health, it’s important to consult a professional. doctors and therapists can help better diagnose your struggles and how to treat them.

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Trying CBD Mental Health Benefits, Yourself

Now that you know all of CBD’s potential benefits for fine-tuning your mind back to health and happiness, you might be more intrigued by CBD than ever before. Whether you’re an edible lover, an old-fashioned toker, or a vaper, there’s a CBD good for you.

Take part in your own self-care and mental health awareness month journey, by clearing your head with some of our fav’s –

1. WATERMELON CBD GUMMIES

Let’s give stress-eating a purpose with some CBD gummies for mental health. This 20:1 CBD and THC combo from Kanha will leave you feeling relaxed, clear-headed, and free of anxiety. Plus, who doesn’t want to combat mental health struggles with the flavor of delicious, juicy watermelon?

2. DREAM HONEY

Looking for a way to fall asleep without counting sheep all night? Dream honey from Potli might be your solution. Paired perfectly with tea or enjoyed on its own, this delicious honey will lull you into a deep sleep full of dreams that are just as sweet.

3. CBD PROTAB

Perhaps you want to experience CBD mental health benefits without the sugar intake. Level can help take the edges off mental stressors with just a small, flavorless CBD Protab. They contain 25mg of CBD, but are easy to split in half if your ideal dose is smaller.

4. SOOTHING CBD TINCTURE

The plant can replenish the soil’s nutrients through a process called bioremediation. By cleaning up environmental pollutants and toxins, hemp can even help reverse previous damage. With the power to remove metals, solvents, pesticides, and other hazardous materials, it’s been referred to as a “miracle crop”.

5.     CBD VAPE CARTRIDGE

What if you need anxiety relief, like, yesterday? CBD vape cartridges, like this one from Care by Design,offer immediate relief from symptoms of mental health issues. Feel your racing mind dissipate to a state of ease with each hit as the 40:1 blend enters your lungs.

Keep in mind – while CBD is available anywhere, and everywhere, the products not sold at a licensed cannabis storefront aren’t subject to the same testing, and regulations. That means CBD sold at the gas station or convenience store won’t be the same quality, potency, or efficacy as those that are intentionally cultivated, and manufactured.

At Embarc, we strive to work with brands that take pride in their cultivation and manufacturing practices when it comes to THC and CBD. So get the chef’s kiss of quality California-grown CBD goods at Embarc to achieve all the positive vibes you need this Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.