Forget Zoloft: New Study Says CBD Is A ‘Fast-Acting Antidepressant’

Forget Zoloft: New Study Says CBD Is A ‘Fast-Acting Antidepressant’

Forget Zoloft New Study Says CBD Is A ‘Fast-Acting Antidepressant" from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Toss your Zoloft and Xanax out. CBD is the antidepressant you need.

A new study published in Molecular Biology reveals that cannabidiol (CBD) has valuable antidepressant properties. The study, which was conducted by researchers of Denmark’s Aarhus University Hospital and Brazil’s University of Sao Paolo, discovered findings that “support a promising therapeutic profile for CBD as a new fast-acting antidepressant drug.”

CBD is the non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, which has proven its efficacy in treating several illnesses including anxiety and epilepsy. The researchers state that CBD “is a promising compound since it shows large-spectrum therapeutic potential in preclinical models and humans.” But, “its antidepressant properties have not been completely investigated.”

The goal of the researchers “were to investigate in male rodents (i) whether CBD could induce rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects after a single administration and (ii) whether such effects could be related to changes in synaptic proteins/function.”

The study’s findings revealed that “a single dose of CBD dose-dependently induced antidepressant-like effect” in animal models 30 minutes (acute) or seven days (sustained) after being administered with CBD. Similar results were seen in various rat tests.

“These results indicate that CBD induces fast and sustained antidepressant-like effect in distinct animal models relevant for depression,” said the researchers. “The data support a promising therapeutic profile for CBD as a new fast-acting antidepressant drug,” concludes the study.

Older Studies

While the studies analyzing the effects of CBD on depression are few and far in between, the findings have been promising. The above study builds on further studies over the last 10 years that support the researchers’ findings.

In 2011, a study said that, “In the last few years, there have been several advances in the determination of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the etiology of depression and the functional actions of antidepressant drugs. Specifically, a deficiency in the endocannabinoid signaling is sufficient to produce a “depressive-like” phenotype at the preclinical level… and capable of inducing symptoms of depression in humans at a clinical level. Moreover, facilitation of endocannabinoid signaling is sufficient to produce all of the behavioral and biochemical effects of conventional antidepressant treatments.” In other words, the scientists found that a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system can result in symptoms similar to clinical depression, but when this deficiency has been addressed, it addresses depression in the same way conventional pharmaceuticals do.

Another study, this time in 2016, said that “our results demonstrate that CBD exerts fast and maintained antidepressant-like effects as evidenced by the reversal of the OBX-induced hyperactivity and anhedonia.” In layman’s terms, the study also echoes the findings in that CBD is indeed a fast-acting antidepressant.

Benefits Of Using CBD As An Antidepressant

Antidepressants and conventional medications prescribed for depression act as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications come with an endless list of side effects that the patient has to ensure ON TOP of an already debilitating mental illness. Just some of these side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and cotton mouth. But in extreme cases, antidepressants can cause sexual impotence, lack of sex drive, fatigue, and can even make depression much worse.

With over 300 million people of all ages suffering from depression worldwide, finding a natural cure for this illness is necessary. And this is precisely why cannabis, or CBD products, are the perfect solution.

For individuals who are already using CBD products, it has been a lifesaver, helping people fight the demon and face life with newfound confidence. When using CBD to treat depression, it can be used as a preventive aid instead of a band aid, which means that while it can be used to manage acute breakdowns, it should also be used for preventive maintenance. Think of CBD as any other form of dietary supplements to help ease symptoms of depression before they even start. The best way to do so is by using CBD oil, full-spectrum options whenever available, such as in the form of capsules or tinctures. You can start with 10mg of CBD daily, and increase your dosage until you find maximum relief. But there is also the option of starting with 25mg since it isn’t possible to overdose on CBD nor are there any side effects.

Have you used CBD to treat depression? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Forget Zoloft New Study Says CBD Is A ‘Fast-Acting Antidepressant" from CannabisNet on Vimeo.