CBD for Mental Health

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one type of cannabinoid, which are compounds found naturally in the hemp plant. People with mental health conditions can use CBD products, such as CBD oils, to manage their symptoms. Due to restrictions on cannabis testing, we need more research to verify the mental health benefits of CBD. Research thus far on CBD and anxiety, depression, and stress has been very promising. It suggests that CBD has a positive effect on various mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.

CBD is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. It can be taken orally (as a capsule, tablet, or gummy), sublingually (under the tongue as a tincture), or topically (applied directly to the skin as a cream) to provide a variety of benefits. 

CBD is legal in the UK, as long as it comes from an EU-approved industrial hemp strain and does not contain THC. It is important to ensure you are getting your CBD from a trusted source. HempWell grows an EU-certified organic hemp on our farm, which is then processed and tested in a laboratory to ensure it is pure and accurately dosed. The process is controlled from seed to shelf, so our customers can be confident they are getting a high-quality and fully traceable product. For more information about CBD legislation in the UK, read our Is CBD legal? post in the Knowledge Centre.

The human body contains a highly complex neurotransmitter and cannabinoid receptor network, known as the endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). Research suggests that cannabinoids and the ECS play a role in numerous bodily processes. Even the skin contains cannabinoid receptors.

There is a close association between sleep and mental health. Having a mental health issue can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, which can further negatively impact your mental health. Fortunately, there is research suggesting that CBD can help with sleep issues, including insomnia. 

Living with a mental health problem can affect sleep in many ways. For example:

Anxiety can cause intrusive, repetitive, and racing thoughts and worries that prevent you falling asleep. Some people suffer from panic attacks when trying to sleep. Depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause people to sleep more, including staying in bed longer or sleeping more frequently. Depression can also cause insomnia. If someone has suffered through trauma, sleep can be disturbed by flashbacks, nightmares or night terrors. People may feel unsafe or uncomfortable in bed or in the dark. 

Therefore, taking CBD regularly can help manage sleep which could help someone’s mental health.

CBD isn’t only beneficial for those suffering from mental health problems. Many people who regularly take CBD see benefits to their mental health, by helping with mental clarity. Research suggests that CBD helps improve focus because it allows more serotonin to flow to the brain, which mildly sedates the receptor associated with anxiety, addiction, and sleep. 

Essentially, many of our customers have reported that CBD makes them more alert, more focused, and less distracted.