From the Guidelines
CBD may be associated with an increased risk for developing depressive disorders, particularly with chronic use. According to the most recent study from 2024, 1, cannabis and/or cannabinoid use may be associated with an increased risk for developing depressive disorders and may exacerbate psychiatric disorders in vulnerable individuals. The study highlights that chronic cannabis use carries long-term psychiatric risks, which may be correlated with cumulative exposure, including age of first use.
Key points to consider:
- Chronic cannabis use may lead to long-term psychiatric risks, including depressive disorders
- Cumulative exposure, including age of first use, may contribute to these risks
- Vulnerable individuals may be more susceptible to the psychiatric effects of cannabis and/or cannabinoid use
- Clinicians should recognize the potential for cannabis use disorder, which can be associated with clinically significant impairment or distress
It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD products, especially if you have existing mental health conditions or take other medications, as CBD can interact with certain drugs. Starting with a low dose and gradually increasing while monitoring for any mood changes is advisable if you choose to use CBD products. The quality and dosage of CBD products vary widely, with typical therapeutic doses ranging from 25mg to 300mg daily depending on the condition being treated.
From the Research
CBD and Depression
- The current evidence suggests that CBD may have a therapeutic potential in treating depression, rather than causing it 2, 3, 4.
- A study published in Neuropharmacology found that a low dose of CBD can partially reverse some sequelae induced by chronic stress, a well-established mouse model used to simulate depressive-like symptoms 2.
- Another study published in the International review of neurobiology explored the therapeutic potential of CBD in depression, highlighting its promising results in preclinical models and human studies 3.
- A systematic review published in the Journal of cannabis research found that CBD was helpful in alleviating symptoms of various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and mood disorders, with a moderate recommendation for its use in treating social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder 5.
Molecular Mechanisms
- The exact molecular mechanism of action of CBD is still unknown, but it is thought to involve monoamine and endocannabinoid signaling, control of neuroinflammation, and enhanced neuroplasticity 3, 4.
- CBD has been found to interact with a wide variety of molecular targets in the brain, including serotonin type 1A receptors and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and 2 receptors 4.
- Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, may also play a role in mediating CBD's therapeutic outcomes 4.
Clinical Evidence
- While there is some evidence to support the use of CBD in treating depression and anxiety disorders, more research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and to establish its safety and efficacy in humans 6, 5.
- A review of clinical trials and human laboratory studies found that the evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of CBD is often mixed and/or limited by the lack of well-powered randomized, placebo-controlled studies 6.