CBD and Mood

Exploring the CBD Dopamine Connection

The demand for CBD is continuing to rise. According to an investigation conducted by The Centre for Medical Cannabis, there are over 1 million regular CBD clients in the UK, with over six million individuals having used CBD in the last year.

Over 20% of CBD users are attempting to leverage their all-natural CBD supplements to boost their mood and find a sense of ease. This means that a deep and thorough investigation of CBD and mental health should be conducted by the appropriate parties and examined by the FSA. While we wait for this confirmation, it’s clear that the trends already indicate CBD and mood are intimately connected. So, it’s natural to wonder if CBD and dopamine are related as well.

While we still haven’t received a statement from the UK FSA regarding a CBD dosage for anxiety mg amount, it’s still worthwhile to explore this CBD dopamine connection.

Are you interested in learning more about CBD oil and dopamine? Read on.

Does CBD Increase Dopamine?

It’s certainly possible. New research into the relationship between large doses of CBD and mood disorders indicates that cannabidiol may activate dopamine receptors. Dopamine receptor activation naturally shows promise in improving mood, and a deficiency in dopamine receptor activity can cause mood issues, such as anxiety and depression.

At this point, it’s important to note that we cannot guarantee that taking CBD will boost dopamine levels in your body or improve dopamine regulation. This research was conducted under controlled conditions, and the data received is not a direct indication of mood-boosting potential. As we continue to explore the science, keep in mind that your experience with all-natural substances will vary. Always seek out professional care if you are attempting to manage symptoms associated with mental health conditions.

CBD is also known to activate 5-HT1A serotonin receptors directly as well as human cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1. However, CBD is not very effective at directly activating CB1. Still, the administration of CBD can activate CB1 in a significant way by improving the function of our human endocannabinoid system.

Serotonin 1-A Receptor Activity

The activation of 5-HT1A receptors may help to manage stress and anxiety. Various pharmaceutical options activate these receptors in an attempt to provide anxiolytic or anxiety-reducing effects. Examples of these include gepirone, buspirone, and tandospirone. It is important to note that human anxiety is linked to a decrease in the amount of 5HT1A receptors present in the brain.

Interestingly, Serotonin 1-A receptor activity also helps to improve dopamine functioning. As this receptor is activated, specific serotonin-related activities are inhibited. These specific serotonin activities actually interfere with dopamine regulation. As a result, triggering 5HT1A receptors allows dopamine levels to rise and interact with their biological targets.

To put it simply, the improvement of serotonin functioning can help to improve happiness and wellness and possibly elevate dopamine levels which “can lead to feelings of euphoria, bliss, and enhanced motivation and concentration.”

CB1 Receptor Activity

The activation of the Cannabinoid Type 1 receptors is related to an increase in dopamine. For example, the infamous THC compound, the cannabinoid found in psychoactive marijuana, has a high affinity for CB1 receptors, which helps it produce its well-known mood-altering effects.

As mentioned above, CBD can activate CB1 receptors, but it does not have a high affinity for this receptor. Now, receptors can receive a wide variety of compounds. This does not mean that every type of compound that interacts with these receptors will produce identical effects. In fact, the administration of CBD may help to offset the intoxicating properties of THC. However, there is no research indicating that CBD would negate the mood-boosting properties of THC. Don’t try this at home… unless you’re under the guidance of a medical professional, of course.

While this direct connection between CBD and CB1 receptors could lead to a dopamine increase, CBD does have a more powerful, indirect impact on this receptor type. This happens through cannabidiol’s ability to raise levels of an internally produced cannabinoid-like compound, known as Anandamide.

CBD inhibits the FAAH enzyme in humans. This enzyme breaks down Anandamide (AEA), reducing levels in the body/mind. When FAAH is hampered, AEA levels soar, and it can interact with the body. For example, in one animal study, FAAH was inhibited, and AEA was administered directly. This lead to an increase in dopamine levels in the brain, specifically in the nucleus accumbens. The nucleus accumbens is a part of the brain which directly relates to pleasure and euphoria, indicating that increasing the performance of AEA can play a role in the promotion of these experiences.

The Endocannabinoid System and Beyond

As we’ve detailed in this article, human and mammalian bodies feature a complex system of receptors and transmitting compounds specifically designed to work with plant-based cannabinoid compounds (think THC, CBD, CBC, CBG, CBN, etc). In total, this system is referred to as the endocannabinoid system or ECS. 

The ECS influences dopamine receptor activity in a variety of ways. The bottom line is that if you improve endocannabinoid system functioning, then dopamine functioning can improve. When dopamine functioning is improved, you will naturally receive the pleasure you deserve from engaging with work, play, friends, and family. Healthy dopamine functioning also balances your reward and motivation systems, allowing you to easily prioritize the activities which best serve your wellbeing and health.

The best ways to feed/balance your endocannabinoid system include enjoying healthy foods, engaging in healthy movement, and taking natural supplements. So don’t wait. Shop around our site, choose the items that catch your attention, and we’ll deliver our first-class natural CBD supplements directly to your door. All of our products are 100% compliant with regulatory standards in the UK and are tested to ensure 0% THC levels. So enjoy these guilt-free, rejuvenating products and say hello to a well-balanced mindset and natural way of life.