The benefits of CBD are discussed more and more everywhere you look. From helping those with anxiety or low mood to improving sleep quality, but do we understand how or why these benefits occur? We take an in-depth look at the influence CBD has on our mental well being…

CBD's impact on mental wellbeing

One-way CBD (cannabidiol) influences our mental wellbeing is through its ability to act on a receptor in our brains called the 5ht1a receptor. This receptor is responsible for the production and also the reuptake of the neurotransmitter called Serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter responsible for wellbeing.

CBD for Stress

Serotonin plays the most crucial role in our mental wellbeing, carrying out many essential tasks, such as moderating our cortisol production (stress hormone) regulating mood, memory, and cognition. Cortisol is the stress hormone. When levels fluctuate for prolonged periods, it can lead to adverse side effects.

If cortisol levels become too high can lead to symptoms like:

• Unwanted weight gain
• A flushed and round face
• High blood pressure
• Mood swings, which show as anxiety, depression or irritability

So by Looking after our ECS, we can help keep Cortisol levels in check, which helps look after our mental wellbeing.

CBD for Anxiety and Depression

Adequate serotonin production and functioning can also help relieve symptoms of anxiety. Serotonin acts as a filter, allowing only the most important messages in the brain to pass through, thereby reducing the level of 'noise' in our mind.

A 2013 study also showed that CBD could trigger an increase in neurogenesis in the hippocampus, meaning the creation of new neurons in the part of the brain, which is responsible for cognition and memory. People with anxiety or depression tend to have a smaller hippocampus in comparison with those who don't. Therefore, increased neuron production can help us maintain healthy hippocampus.

CBD for Neuro-inflammation

Cannabidiol also has many anti-inflammatory properties. With the link between inflammation and mental wellbeing being significant, lowering the level of inflammation in the brain can help to improve our mental wellbeing.

This is because brain cells exposed to cytokines (inflammation) are more likely to die and less likely to be regenerated. We also know that when nerve cells are inflamed, the connections or synapses between them are less capable of functioning correctly.

We also know that inflammation reduces the supply of Serotonin, which we mentioned earlier, as a transmitter between brain cells. So by lowering inflammation, you improve the connectivity in the brain.

CBD for Sleep quality

CBD can help to improve our quality of sleep; improved sleep can reduce our chances of becoming depressed significantly and enhance mood, memory, and cognition. Individuals with anxiety and depression often suffer from a reduced quality of sleep, which can compound the issues they are already experiencing.

Improving the quality of sleep can help provide them with a more stable foundation to address the problems that may be causing their poor mental health.

CBD helps us to create more of our naturally occurring endocannabinoids (neurotransmitters) in the brain and body.

One of these endocannabinoids, called Anandamide is responsible for producing the feeling of bliss and can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression and helps to moderate levels of inflammation in the brain and body, which in turn can contribute to better mental wellbeing.

Is CBD Oil Legal In The UK?

CBD Oil is entirely legal in the UK. The FSA approved the sale of CBD Oil years ago. Because CBD is non-intoxicating, it means you can consume CBD Oil and experience its benefits to your ECS, such as reduced pain, lowered inflammation, better sleep, and reduced stress and anxiety levels, to name a few.

The only guidelines you need to be aware of are these:

1. CBD is legal in the UK as long as it does not contain more than 0.2% THC, which is a controlled substance under the Misuse Of Drugs Act 1971.

2. CBD is Legal in the UK provided that it is derived from an industrialised Hemp strain that is approved by the EU or comes from outside the EU.

To learn more about the legal status of CBD, read our article that covers everything you need to know about the legality of CBD in the UK. 

Suggested Read: Will CBD Fail A Drugs Test?

Where Can I Buy CBD Oil in the UK?

Buy a full spectrum CBD Oil from Enhance to get the highest quality CBD extract and the maximum benefits that CBD has to offer. Enhance provide the range of full-spectrum CBD Oils and CBD capsules to help you include CBD into your daily routines. Enhance also offer a variety of delicious flavoured CBD oils to help you get the maximum amount of enjoyment from your CBD, as taking care of yourself should be rewarded.