Have you been feeling down lately? The winter months can be a difficult time, with shorter days, lower temperatures, and a decrease in outdoor activities. But there may be an unexpected source of help—cannabinoid therapy. Cannabinoid therapy is a relatively new form of medical treatment that can provide both physical and psychological benefits for those suffering from the winter blues. Let’s dive into how it works.
What is Cannabinoid Therapy?
Cannabinoid therapy is the use of compounds derived from cannabis plants to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in cannabis plants that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating many bodily functions such as appetite, mood, memory, and sleep. When cannabinoids interact with the ECS they can help restore balance to these bodily functions which can have positive effects on physical and mental health. Read our blog on The Science Behind CBD to learn more about how cannabinoids work within our bodies.
How Does Cannabinoid Therapy Help With Depression?
One way cannabinoid therapy helps with depression is by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating our moods and emotions—low serotonin levels are associated with feelings of sadness or depression. Studies have shown that when cannabinoids interact with receptors in the ECS they can increase serotonin production which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. Additionally, cannabinoids can also help reduce inflammation throughout the body which has been linked to depression and other mental health issues. By reducing inflammation, it may be possible to further reduce symptoms of depression caused by inflammation-related disorders such as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
CBD as a Potential Treatment to Beat the Winter Blues
While more research needs to be done on cannabinoid therapy and its effects on mental health conditions such as depression, early research suggests that it could be a potential treatment option for those suffering from the winter blues. If you’re interested in trying cannabinoid therapy as a way to manage your seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or if you have questions about what it means to start cannabinoid therapy, please reach out to us! Message us here or give us a jingle at one of our locations!
With proper care and guidance cannabinoid therapy could offer relief from SAD this winter season!