CBD and stress: a natural solution?

Pressure at work, mental workload at home, personal preoccupations... stress is (all too often) part of our daily lives. And when it takes hold, it can damage our general well-being - physical, mental and emotional.

The WHO reminds us that health is not just the absence of disease. It's also a state of overall well-being, and unfortunately, the figures show that this well-being is under severe strain. In less than 25 years, stress and depression-related disorders have exploded by 50%. In 2019more than 260 million people worldwide were affected. A figure that has climbed even higher since the Covid crisis, with the confinement, isolation and uncertainty of everyday life.

So, in the face of this constant pressure, how do you find some inner calm? What if CBD could be a natural ally to regain a little serenity? We'll tell you all about it in the rest of this article.

Where exactly does stress come from? 😵‍💫

We're all familiar with stress. But what we sometimes forget is that, at its core, it's a rather useful natural mechanism: a reaction by the body to help us cope with danger or an intense situation. In short, it's the survival instinct in turbo mode.

An important exam, a public speaking engagement, a race against the clock... In these moments, stress acts as a performance boost. But when it becomes too frequent, uncontrollable or irrational, it can seriously impact quality of life, and sometimes even develop into anxiety disorders.

🔍 There are two main causes of stress:

• Exogenous stress: caused by external factors such as work, personal worries or the pace of life.

• Endogenous stress: linked to internal disturbances, often associated with disorders such as PTSD, OCD or certain phobias.

The good news is that stress of any kind can be relieved. And that's where CBD comes in... 👇

CBD: a natural ally against stress? 🌿

CBD (or cannabidiol) is attracting increasing attention for its soothing potential, particularly in relation to stress and anxiety. Unlike THC, CBD doesn't produce any high: it acts smoothly, without altering consciousness.

But how does it work? 🤔
CBD interacts indirectly with our endocannabinoid system, a network present in the human body which plays a key role in balancing many functions, including stress. In particular, this system contains CB1 receptors, located in areas of the brain involved in managing emotions.

✅ Several studies have already explored the link between CBD and anxiety. One of them, published in 2015highlighted a potential effect of cannabidiol on physiological responses to stress.

💡 Key facts:
CBD may help regulate stress-related reactions, promoting a state of calm. That said, the effects vary according to the individual, the dose used and the method of administration. It's not a miracle solution, but rather a natural boost for those tense moments.

Things to remember 🧠🌿

1. How does CBD affect our nervous system?
   CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors found throughout the body. This system plays a central role in managing mood, sleep and stress response. By supporting this natural balance, CBD can contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

2. What studies say about CBD and relaxation
   Many people use CBD to relax or let go after an intense day. And science is beginning to follow suit: some studies suggest that CBD could help reduce the manifestations of stress, by promoting a state of calm. But beware: the effects vary from person to person, and dosage plays a key role.