CBD’s New Frontier Help for Mental Health
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by Julie Marshall
hen Kaye HerIt’s really important CBD to be miraculous, bert’s husband for people to know but I was surprised that brought home a my kids’ frustrations were their options and greatly reduced,” says the free sample of cannabidiol to keep looking for Austin, Texas, mom. “We (CBD) oil, she didn’t hesitate to give it a try. Having what works for them. weren’t seeing the severity heard about its calming of meltdowns.” ~Peter Bongiorno effects, she gave CBD to her The use of CBD in tincthree sons, whose attentures, capsules and lotions tion deficit hyperactivity disorder made has grown exponentially, along with the home-schooling difficult due to frequent science to prove its efficacy in remediattantrums and lack of focus. “I didn’t expect ing physical pain. Newer, but equally as
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robust, is the viability of CBD as a remedy for mental health-related issues, experts say, pointing to anxiety, depression and stress as the top three applications. However, as an unregulated supplement, CBD presents a challenge for consumers in its ubiquity from CBD-infused pillows to gummies, soaps and even pet food. Discerning purity, dosage and safety are real concerns for those that may grab any bottle off the shelf. Consumers must become well informed, especially when replacing medications for serious disorders, experts say. But for anxiety and emotional well-being, CBD is largely heralded as a safe and natural choice by providers well-versed in CBD, such as Peter Bongiorno, past president of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians. “It’s really important for people to know their options and to keep looking for what works for them,” he says.
The Feel-Good Molecule
CBD, a compound extracted from the hemp plant, is appealing because it can raise the level of cannabinoids—feel-good molecules naturally created within the human body. “When we can’t sleep or are stressed out, cannabinoid levels go way down,” Bongiorno says. While prescription drugs overwhelm the body with adverse side effects, CBD can healthfully bring back balance. But CBD won’t trigger an altered state because there is little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical in marijuana that produces a high, he says, adding that he starts patients at a low daily dose of 25 milligrams.
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