Introduction 

​There has been growing interest in the role of cannabidiol or CBD for the treatment of depression over the recent years as the public is looking for more natural methods to minimize this condition.   The National Institute of Mental Health reports depression to be one of the most common mental disorders in the United States affecting an estimated 17.3 million adults a year.  The World Health Organization estimates that over 260 million individuals globally suffer from depression.  

What is Depression? 

​Depression is a medical illness that affects how an individual thinks, feels, and acts.  Sadness along with a decrease in interests (passions, hobbies and pleasures) feels like a permeant reality.   Depression can be related to situational stressors or long-term with a definitive diagnosis from a medical professional.  The severity of this condition varies from mild to severe; severe being active suicidal ideations considered.  Depression is more prevalent in the late teen years and early adulthood and more prevalent in females than males. 

What are the Signs of Depression? 

​The main feature of depression is a pervasive low mood or dysphonia.  Again, this low mood could be triggered by current stressors or for example, postpartum hormone fluctuations.  A second feature of depression is anhedonia, which is a lack of ability to enjoy past pleasurable experiences. ​Depression can cause changes in sleep as well, from too little or too much. Some individuals with depression have trouble falling asleep whereas others, prefer to sleep all the time or hypersomnolence.  Appetite is influenced  by depression too, some individuals do not want to eat at all, and others want to eat everything in sight, so weight fluctuations can occur.  Lastly, a spiraling negative mindset can take hold causing issues with poor self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  All these symptoms of depression lead to fatigue and mental and physical slowing, so everything in life becomes difficult.  Depression erodes one’s quality of life.   

CBD’s Effect on the Brain with Depression

​Cannabidiol directly affects sixty-five receptors in the brain influencing one key brain hormone called serotonin.  Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps to boost one’s mood.  The main anti-depressant medication used today is focused on increasing serotonin levels, they are called Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRI], some examples are Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, to name a few. However, SSRIs take several weeks to begin to affect a depressed brain.  CBD has shown in animal models it increases the serotonin levels almost immediately with a sustained effect compared to pharmaceutical medications. 

​A second brain chemical positively affected by CBD is glutamate.  Glutamate increased in a study examining rodent brains’ receiving CBD.  Glutamate is involved in mood regulation and executive function.  

A third brain chemical affected by CBD administration is dopamine.  This feel- good hormone is triggered by cell phone scrolling or playing slots or gambling. Dopamine is known to create a positive mood and outlook on life.   Dopamine provides intense emotions of reward.  This brain chemical helps us feel pleasure and stimulates the reward center in the brain. 

​The issue with prescribed anti-depressant medications is they have bad side effects: insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitation.  CBD on the other hand is not known to create these side effects.  If too much CBD is taken in one setting one may experience nausea, fatigue, and irritability.  The individual dose needs to be discovered, however, in individuals taking large amounts of CBD (400-800 mg a day for seizures), these symptoms can occur.   

Research on CBD and Depression

 ​There is evolving research that supports the role of CBD for depression.  A human study in individuals with depression reported a 50% reduction with the use of high CBD intake.  Most of the depression research is in rodents, however, new evolving research in humans is happening. 

Summary 

​Overall, the research on CBD suggests it can be helpful in reducing depression. However, there are relatively few published studies on CBD as a treatment for depression in humans.  The good news is more and more research dollars are being allocated for CBD research.  The recommendation is to never  discontinue your anti-depressant medication cold turkey.  Instead, have a conversation with your doctor to put in place a strategic plan to taper off your medication as you supplement with CBD if that is what you want.   

In conclusion, more research is needed to support the role of CBD in the treatment for depression.   CBD is an option for the individual with a negative mood or mild depression, however, consult your medical doctor.