How can CBD help Depression / mood disorders?
CBD Oil helps produces and trigger neurotransmitters in the brain like serotonin
“”Feel good hormone” and has similar properties to antidepressants.
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The neural network of the endocannabinoid system works similarly to the way that serotonin, dopamine, and other systems do, and, according to some research, cannabinoids have an effect on serotonin levels. Whereas a low dose of THC increases serotonin, high doses cause a decrease that could worsen the condition. 312 In 2009 researchers concluded that there was substantial evidence pointing to endocannabinoid signaling as a target for the pharmacotherapy of depression. 313 Authors of a 2016 study wrote that “CBD could represent a novel fast antidepressant drug, via enhancing both serotonergic and glutamate cortical signaling through a 5-HT1A receptor-dependent mechanism.”
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Leinow, Leonard; Birnbaum, Juliana. CBD: A Patient's Guide to Medicinal Cannabis--Healing without the High (p. 164). North Atlantic Books. Kindle Edition.
Buying Guide
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What questions to ask when deciding on a CBD Oil
1. HOW IS THE OIL EXTRACTED?
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✓ Subcritical Co2 Extraction - most expensive, non-toxic, extremely efficient, ensures highly potent, pure extract.
X Liquid Solvents (butane, isopropyl alcohol, hexane, ethanol), most common method, simple and inexpensive, plant is soaked and heated, commonly used for vape products, destroys beneficial plant waxes, often bitter taste, can leave traces of impurities in the finished oil.
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X Olive Oil - simple and inexpensive, heated for extended amount of time, oil cannot be concentrated using this method so a large quantity is required for medicinal benefits, highly perishable, should be stored in cold, dark place.
2. IS IT ORGANICALLY CERTIFIED ?
✓ No CBD product can officially be certified organic. However, the hemp is grown in organic soil and tests free of all heavy metals, mold, chemicals and pesticides.
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3. IS THE ENTIRE PLANT USED?
✓ Whole Plant/Full Spectrum - taken from the flowers, stem, stalks and leaves, this means ALL the available cannabinoids within the plant are present, the way nature intended. When all the cannabinoids work together, you experience the beneficial 'entourage' effect, working synergistically to provide the most beneficial properties. This is why the blend has numerous cannabinoids, CBD, CBDV, CBN, and CBD and not just CBD. This is also why ‘The Blend’ contains over 60 medical terpenes!
X Isolate - compounds are extracted and/or separated from each other, it does have anti-inflammatory benefits, but does not have the medicinal quality and value of a full spectrum oil, often marketed as '99% pure CBD. A lot of isolate is making its way into North America via China and can be synthetic. Isolate is heavily processed as it is the third and final step in an extraction process.
4. WHAT CARRIER OIL IS USED?
✓ Hemp seed oil is the carrier oil, using and encompassing the entire plant. When using all aspects of the plant, this increases the synergy. Hemp seed oil is derived from the seed and has nutritional benefits.
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5. WHY ARE TERPENES IMPORTANT?
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✓ Terpenes are a crucial part of the plant, they are just as powerful at delivering properties as cannabinoids. Click here to read about the benefits of terpenes and the terpenes found in ‘The Blend’.
X No terpenes = Not a full spectrum plant.