Last year, CBD sales hit $5 billion. Interest in CBD has grown exponentially in the last few years. More Americans use it, and many more are interested in trying it for the very first time.
You might be wondering what all the hype is about. Can CBD actually do everything people claim it can, or is it just another health fad that will fade away?
Science is making great strides in discovering the potential of CBD. In fact, there’s already some evidence it could be the secret ingredient in improving your happiness and quality of life.
So, what does the research say thus far? This guide will walk you through the many ways CBD could help you achieve a happier, healthier you.
Mind, Mood, and CBD
The most important area of research with regard to happiness and CBD right now is how CBD affects mood. Some studies have taken a look at how CBD might affect mood.
There’s some evidence cannabidiol could play a role in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How does that work? Research shows CBD affects serotonin receptors in the brain.
Serotonin is an important factor in mood. It’s one of the “feel good” chemicals in the brain. People with higher levels of serotonin tend to feel happier.
CBD interacts with the serotonin receptors, which then limits the uptake of serotonin. The result is that serotonin hangs around in the bloodstream longer.
That means CBD can help increase serotonin levels, at least temporarily. That can have a profound effect on mood and how you’re feeling.
Busting Stress with CBD
Serotonin isn’t the only substance CBD affects. Research shows this cannabinoid seems to have effects on a whole bunch of different chemicals in the body.
Another one is the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can do a lot of nasty things to the body, including raising blood pressure. Long term, elevated levels of cortisol can cause damage to organs and other issues.
Cortisol has also been implicated in mood. Rising levels of cortisol can help people when it comes to reacting fast. If there’s no real reason for an increase in the stress hormone, though, anxiety can result.
Cannabidiol seems to act on cortisol levels. In particular, it seems to be able to lower them.
In addition, it has effects on the bloodstream. One study showed it relaxes veins and arteries, which can cause a temporary dip in blood pressure.
Both effects could contribute to the relaxation people report when they take CBD. Lower levels of cortisol could give the body the signal to relax. CBD may also trigger physical changes that tell the body it is relaxed.
In this way, it seems like CBD could help people de-stress. It may be able to help you unwind or relax after a long day at work.
The Secret Ingredient to Better Sleep?
Researchers are hard at work, investigating many different effects CBD could have. Another area of research is sleep.
There are a few studies that show CBD may be able to help people with a variety of sleep issues. What could CBD do to help you get better sleep?
First, it seems as though CBD can help people get to sleep faster. That’s great news for insomnia sufferers, who may find it difficult to drift off. Instead of tossing and turning for hours, you may be able to take some CBD and get to dreamland sooner.
Some studies suggest CBD could help you stay asleep longer too. Insomnia sufferers sometimes have difficulty staying asleep, so this may also help.
Finally, there’s some evidence that CBD could help improve quality of sleep.
Now you’re wondering, how does getting more sleep or better sleep affect your happiness?
Sleep is essential for the human body. A lack of sleep can affect stress levels, as well as your mood. Getting better sleep can help you feel more like yourself.
Insomnia also seems tied to the emotional state of people. People with insomnia often have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Insomnia itself may be a symptom of another health issue.
Treating insomnia may help to reduce other symptoms of these conditions.
CBD Could Help with Energy Levels
Getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel more alert, rested, and energized. If CBD can help you catch 40 winks, then it makes sense that it would also be associated with higher energy levels.
CBD’s effects on sleep don’t seem to be the only way it can boost energy though. Many people report that, besides feeling relaxed, CBD helps them feel more energized.
People may also report feeling more focused. You may feel more ready to sit down and tackle that big project for school or work.
You may even feel more ready to lace up your running shoes and get out for a jog. Some people recommend CBD before a workout for this invigorating effect.
Plenty of research shows how good exercise can be for your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins and helps to release stress. Exercise can help to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety as well.
Given these effects, CBD may also be great for meditation. Meditation has also been shown to have positive effects on both mental and physical health.
It’s little wonder that yoga classes featuring CBD have become popular. By combining exercise, meditation, and CBD, these classes could help people strive for improved quality of life.
The Entourage Effect Enhances CBD
The CBD entourage effect is a phenomenon where CBD and other substances enhance each other.
CBD seems to work in tandem with terpenes and other cannabinoids to deliver more prominent effects. Some cannabinoids seem to have similar effects to CBD, which means taking them together could do more for you.
Terpenes are compounds that give plants their unique scents. Recent studies show terpenes also have various effects on the body.
Limonene is an example. This terpene is responsible for the fresh, citrusy scent of lemons and other plants. It has uplifting and energizing effects.
Taken with CBD, it could be even more effective at lifting energy levels.
Linalool is another terpene, often found in lavender. It tends to have relaxing and even sedative effects. When combined with CBD, it could help you get to sleep sooner or relax after a long day at the office.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products contain more compounds than CBD isolate. If you want to take advantage of the entourage effect, look for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.
Other Potential Benefits of CBD
Research is still investigating everything CBD might be capable of. Studies have looked into its potential effects on any number of health conditions.
The current consensus seems to be that CBD could be helpful for managing a range of symptoms. It may be able to help relieve pain and inflammation. It might also have effects on appetite, as well as reducing nausea.
For anyone who has a medical condition that results in chronic pain or inflammation, CBD may be able to help. These conditions often limit the patient and reduce their quality of life. As a result, depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with chronic pain or diseases like cancer.
CBD has potential benefits for these people. It may be able to assist with mood disorders themselves, but it may also help with other symptoms. In turn, it may be able to help people get their quality of life back.
Using the Secret Ingredient to Happiness
The long and short of the research is that CBD could help people achieve greater quality of life and happiness in quite a few different ways. Scientists are still studying cannabidiol, so exactly what it can do remains to be seen.
In the meantime, you might want to give CBD a shot. It has very few side effects, and almost all of them are mild. It’s almost impossible to “overdose” on CBD, and it’s non-intoxicating.
It may be able to help you alleviate stress or recover from a workout faster. That may make it easier to find your motivation or stick to a workout routine. It may also help you get a better night’s sleep or balance your moods.
CBD is also easy to use. You can choose a product that’s right for you, such as CBD oil capsules or CBD edibles. A salve might be right if you want to treat joint pain or inflammation.
The best CBD dosage to take will depend a bit on what you want it to do. Your weight, sex, and how you’re taking it also affect dosing. A little bit of CBD could go a long way though.
Discover the Recipe for a Happier You
As you can see, CBD could very well be the secret ingredient to a happier, healthier you.
Want to learn more about CBD products, including how to buy them and use them safely? You’re in the right spot! Check out our archives for more in-depth articles and insights.
