If you’ve followed the Papa & Barkley story, you know that it began when founder Adam Grossman set out to help his father manage his debilitating back pain. Since then, our family of trusted and award-winning THC and CBD wellness products such as Releaf Balm have helped many Americans manage inflammation and discomfort of various types.
Cannabis and hemp work as well inside our bodies as they do outside them. And while we believe that concerns regarding cannabis and mental illness should be taken seriously, a growing body of research on cannabis health suggests that the measured and intentional use of cannabis can help support our mental and emotional health. Here’s what we know so far.
Cannabis and Mental Health: What Does THC Do to the Brain?
We’ve written before about THC and CBD, the major cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is being investigated for several therapeutic uses, and has been shown to help fight muscle discomfort among several other physical benefits. But this cannabinoid is also known to help foster feelings of euphoria and sensory enhancement that many claim is beneficial for supporting their day-to-day mental wellness.
In comparison, CBD wellness products work differently. While CBD is technically psychoactive, it does not produce the same sensory experiences that THC does, and most people report at most a gentle cerebral “buzz.” Numerous studies have demonstrated CBD’s effectiveness in reducing stress. Other research on cannabis and mood suggest that when used in moderation, cannabis can support emotional wellbeing.
Cannabis: Health and Mindset
Depression is a potentially debilitating mental health condition, estimated to affect just under 20 million Americans during their lifetimes. Opinion on whether cannabis helps or hurts is mixed, but a comprehensive survey on the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids from 2017 found that cannabis use in and of itself wasn’t a risk factor for stress or the blues.
Those findings largely revolved around THC. What about CBD? Again, studies suggest the “second cannabinoid” could help in staving off poor mood. If you do use cannabis products containing THC, it’s helpful to remember that THC’s effects are biphasic, meaning that its effects are dependent on dosage. Research indicates that the majority of people derive greater medical benefit from using lower doses of it. That’s why if you’re using products such as our cannabis ingestibles, we recommend beginning with small to moderate amounts to assess their effects on your specific symptoms and conditions.
CBD and THC Benefits for Brain: In Closing
In many regards, we’re only beginning to unlock the secrets of cannabinoids. But humankind’s long and rich history with the cannabis plant suggests our partnership has been largely beneficial, with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD imparting a wide and growing range of demonstrated benefits.
If you’re interested in adding cannabis to your mental wellness toolkit, might we suggest our Releaf tinctures and capsules? Easy to use with measured dosing, we offer a full-range of THC-rich and CBD-rich options to choose from. Not only that, but we’ve added the cannabinoid cannabinol (CBN) to our CBN Sleep Releaf tincture, gummies and capsules to enhance the benefits of both THC and CBD to support better rest—a foundation of mental wellness.
If you have any other questions about cannabis and mental illness—or any other potential health concerns—don’t hesitate to ask. We’re always here to help!
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