The statements below have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. All information comes from medical journals and government websites, but is not to be used as medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you have a medical condition.
CBD has a lot of potential to help people with a wide range of health conditions, including conditions that men are particularly prone to developing. As such, many researchers are looking at how CBD can help with men’s health in particular.
CBD is a chemical that can be extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. It’s non-addictive, non-intoxicating, and federally legal in the US. Research shows that CBD might have a wide range of health benefits, and although it needs to be studied further, many people swear by using CBD to enhance their well being.
Due to biological and social reasons, men are more likely to suffer from certain conditions. Many of those conditions can be helped by CBD. Here’s what you need to know about CBD and men’s health.
CBD for Anxiety and Depression
Mental health is not a gender-specific issue. However, men are far less likely to get help for mental health issues than women.
And it’s not like men don’t experience mental health issues. According to The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), at least 6 million men experience depressive disorders every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are more likely than women to die by suicide.
What could account for this mental health gap? Men might feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In many cultures, it’s seen as unmanly to talk about your emotional and mental health – a stigma that needs to be addressed.
While it’s no substitute for therapy and positive lifestyle changes, CBD might be able to help you manage mood disorders like anxiety and depression. In fact, anxiety is one of the most common reasons for using CBD.
Research on CBD and anxiety is promising. For example, a 2011 study found that CBD could reduce the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. CBD could also help with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, another anxiety disorder, according to a 2018 review.
Some research concludes that CBD could also help with the symptoms of depression. A 2010 study and a 2014 study, both animal studies, found that CBD could soothe both anxiety and depression. However, this must be studied on humans before we understand exactly how it works.
And we know that stress can contribute to the development of mental illness. A promising 2018 review of studies concluded that CBD could reduce stress. Regularly taking CBD might help your body and mind cope with the stress of everyday life as well as aid in a restful night’s sleep.
CBD for Addiction
Men are typically more likely to use illicit drugs than women, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse and are more prone to developing a dependence on drugs.
It’s not just so-called hard drugs that men struggle with. According to the CDC, men also face higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations. The CDC also notes that men binge drink twice as much as women.
CBD has potential as a treatment for addiction. Firstly, it’s not addictive itself, and can’t make you feel intoxicated. Conversely, CBD might help people with substance abuse disorders.
Research from 2015 shows that CBD might be able to actually moderate the brain, thus reducing dependence on illicit drugs. Further research from a 2019 double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial showed that CBD could reduce cravings and anxiety for those addicted to heroin – an extremely promising conclusion.
Currently, there is ongoing research looking into how CBD can help those with addictions. Hopefully, this research will tell us whether CBD could help people who are addicted to other illicit drugs as well as alcohol, nicotine, and more.
CBD for Heart Health
Cardiovascular health is something men, in particular, should be conscious of. According to the American Heart Association, one in three adult men in the US have some form of cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure, in particular, is quite common in males under 45 years old, according to the American Heart Association. High blood pressure can lead to conditions like stroke.
The good news is that CBD might be able to help with cardiovascular issues. One study gave nine healthy men one dose of 600mg CBD. They were compared to men who received a placebo. The researchers found that CBD actually reduced resting blood pressure. When the subjects underwent stress tests, those who were given CBD experienced a smaller increase in blood pressure.
And because CBD is an anti-oxidant, it might help reduce stress on the heart. For example, one interesting animal study found that treatment with CBD prevented heart damage in mice with heart disease. While this effect needs to be studied in humans, this research is promising.
Finally, men often put their health last and avoid looking for medical help until it’s too late. According to WebMD, men often put their health last and avoid looking for medical help until it’s too late. Take precautions today to protect your health and well being, and know when to turn to your doctor for guidance.
If you’d like to invest in your health by using high-quality CBD products, shop our range here.
SOURCES
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Crippa JAS, et al. (2010). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of CBD in generalized social anxiety disorder: A preliminary report. DOI:
10.1177/0269881110379283
Depression in men. (n.d.)
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health/depression-in-men.shtml
Excessive alcohol use and risks to men’s health. (2016, March 7)
cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
Hoffman M. (2008). 6 Top Health Threats to Men. https://www.webmd.com/men/features/6-top-health-threats-men
Hurd Y, et al. (2019). Cannabidiol for the reduction of cue-induced craving and anxiety in drug-abstinent individuals with heroin use disorder: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-02633-003
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