CBD for Mental Health

Mental health comprises three integral components: emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being.

CBD for Anxiety:

• CBD for Anxiety
• CBD for PTSD
• CBD for OCD

Let's delve into "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder" (PTSD). Utilizing CBD oil for PTSD presents a remarkable and life-changing idea.

There exists a common misconception that only combat veterans suffer from PTSD. While this condition does affect many veterans, statistics show that approximately 70% of American adults have encountered highly stressful events at least once in their lives.

Consider the millions of individuals facing substantial stress and anxiety as part of the daily grind in the 21st century.

Take, for example, my close friend Damien, who has grappled with PTSD since 2006. Not due to military service, but rather from his time as a fervent thrill-seeker during college. One day, he pushed his nervous system to its limits, and overnight, found himself in an entirely altered reality.

A reality marked by frequent panic attacks.

An agoraphobic existence, seeking solace in hoodies.

A state of constant anxiety, alarm, and hyper-vigilance, his mind ever on the lookout for non-existent threats.

A world devoid of restful sleep, where waking up in the dead of night feels like being strangled by an unseen foe.

A world of irregular appetite and digestion.

You get the picture—it was a challenging experience. It took years for the intensity to subside, but subside it eventually did. While anxiety is a part of everyone's life to some extent, Damien has found solace in using hemp CBD oil for PTSD since 2014 and speaks highly of its benefits.

For those grappling with anxiety and PTSD, a serious exploration into hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) extracts is strongly advised. While marijuana often dominates discussions in this area, the hemp plant, also part of the cannabis family, deserves recognition as well.

Whole Plant Hemp CBD Oil and Fear Extinction:

Research, both in animal studies and placebo-controlled human trials, has showcased CBD's effectiveness in aiding the mind in releasing stored mental trauma, rather than accentuating it. This process, termed fear extinction, involves the endocannabinoid system (ECS) using Phyto-cannabinoids like CBD to diminish traumatic memories on a cellular level, freeing us from their impairment.

In my experience working with HempforFitness.com and delving into cannabis research over the past years, I've been fascinated by how our ECS employs cannabinoids on a neurological level. This concept was initially theorized by Dr. Mechoulam in the mid-60s, highlighting how our cannabinoid receptor-rich brains, with assistance, can mend neural connections (memories) that overly trigger our fight or flight responses.

Traumatic experiences create memories with significant impacts on us, ideally aiding our survival. However, these mechanisms can malfunction, paralyzing us and throwing our brain chemistry off balance. Prolonged stress and anxiety can overwhelm the natural system, leading to a loss of homeostasis.

CBD, or cannabidiol, plays a crucial role in restoring homeostasis to our brain chemistry, devoid of negative side effects. Unlike THC, CBD is entirely antipsychotic. THC can worsen fear and anxiety—a well-known fact. Although not universal, for individuals like Damien, even minimal THC doses can induce intense panic.

With hemp-based CBD extracts, this is a non-issue due to their minimal THC content.

Hemp CBD: The Anti-High Approach to PTSD:

In states where medical cannabis is available, the use of painkillers and antidepressant/anxiety medications has decreased by roughly 25%. However, countless individuals have reported even more substantial reductions, including many veterans using a blend of both types of medications.

Contrary to common belief, it is the CBD in contemporary marijuana strains that produces remarkable effects. CBD offers a host of benefits, including anti-psychotic, pain relief, neuroprotective, anti-seizure, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

For instance, in a survey by Care by Design, thousands of patients using CBD-rich cannabis medicines reported:?

"THC matters. Patients using the 4:1 CBD-to-THC ratio were most likely to report a reduction in pain or discomfort, along with improvements in mood and energy. Patients using the 2:1 CBD-to-THC ratio reported the greatest overall wellbeing improvement. This finding aligns with scientific research showing that CBD and THC interact synergistically to enhance each other's therapeutic effects."

Contrary to popular belief within the cannabis industry, THC is not as crucial for treating psychological issues and fear extinction. For these purposes, higher CBD to THC ratios are recommended.

Unfortunately, many individuals in these studies were not given the option to try hemp-based CBD extracts with higher CBD to THC ratios. Our hemp oils, for instance, offer ratios of 25:1 to less than 1 CBD to THC—a remarkable and legal option.

Moreover, those surveyed were fortunate to have access to medical cannabis in California. However, millions of individuals cannot use products with high THC content. Hemp emerges as their primary option for effective cannabinoids—a commendable option often overlooked.

Based on my direct experiences and extensive exposure over the past few years, I can confidently assert that CBD research supports its role as an antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant cannabinoid. Even at minimal THC levels found in industrial hemp extracts, individuals can experience tremendous benefits for PTSD.

The Three Sources of CBD Today:

Let's explore the three primary sources of CBD available today:

1. Marijuana: Characterized by its shorter, bushier plant structure, marijuana typically contains higher THC levels. Many individuals do not require such high THC content and face legal hurdles associated with marijuana use.

1. Synthetics: Attempts by Big Pharma to replicate plant-based cannabinoids or target the ECS through synthetics have largely failed. Natural, "whole plant" cannabinoids remain superior.

1. Industrial Hemp: Historically used for rope, fiber, oil, textiles, and paper, industrial hemp has evolved to yield CBD-rich extracts. Given its naturally low THC content, industrial hemp products are legal and non-intoxicating. These concentrates offer high CBD levels with minimal THC (0.03% or less), devoid of the legal complexities surrounding marijuana.

Essentially, individuals seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and PTSD should consider "Marijuana" with higher THC levels, synthetic pharmaceutical options, or "Industrial Hemp" with elevated CBD and negligible THC content. While we at HempforFitness.com cannot make guarantees, we strongly advocate exploring industrial hemp-based whole-plant CBD extracts, oils, or pastes.?

Visit our store and discover if hemp CBD oil for PTSD could be a viable option for you. It's a worthwhile endeavor. Rest assured, our products are legal, lab-certified, and free from intoxicating effects. They offer substantial doses of CBD, aiding in anxiety, depression, and PTSD relief.

Wishing you a Hempy Happy Day.

Published by:

Marjaneh Parhami-Mendelsohn at HempforFitness.com