Does CBD help manage stress?

According to the World Health Organization, health is more than just the absence of disease. It encompasses a state of physical, mental and social well-being .

In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in stress-related disorders. The number of people suffering from stress or depression has risen by 50% in less than 25 years. In 2019, more than 260 million people worldwide were affected by these disorders, according to theWHO.

The health crisis linked to Covid-19 has exacerbated this problem, with periods of confinement and social isolation amplifying manifestations of stress in many individuals.

In this article, we'll explore the origin of stress and its effects, before looking at how CBD can be considered as a solution to promote relaxation.

What is stress and where does it come from?

Stress is a well-known physiological reaction, and is not necessarily pathological. It plays an essential role in the survival instinct, enabling the body to react to danger or a demanding situation.

This phenomenon can also occur during important events, such as exams or public speaking. In these cases, it acts as a performance driver. However, when it becomes pervasive and irrational, stress can be associated with anxiety disorders and become an obstacle to daily well-being.

There are two main causes of stress:

• Exogenous stress, linked to external factors such as lifestyle or profession.

• Endogenous stress, resulting from physiological disturbances present in certain pathologies such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and certain phobias.

How could CBD help manage stress?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the hemp plant that is attracting growing interest in research into stress and anxiety disorders. Unlike other substances, it has no psychoactive effect and acts indirectly on the endocannabinoid systemsystem, which plays a key role in regulating stress and anxiety.

Scientific studies have examined the effects of CBD on anxiety and the stress response. The presence of CB1 endocannabinoid receptors in certain regions of the brain suggests a potential involvement of the endocannabinoid system in stress regulation.

A study published in 2015 highlighted CBD's potential in the management of anxiety disorders. According to the researchers, CBD could modulate certain physiological responses to stress, although further research is needed to confirm these effects.

While there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may have a role in stress regulation, it's essential to stress that its effectiveness depends on a variety of factors, such as dosage and individual response. A cautious approach and informed consumption remain essential.