With the pandemic leading to more stress among students than ever before, could CBD help some of them cope with the loss of the university life they had hoped for?
There is no group in society that has been left untouched by the impacts of coronavirus.
One such group is university students and recent graduates; whether facing isolation in halls and virtual lectures, or a contracting job market and money worries, too many are suffering thanks to the restrictions put in place to curb the virus.
In such a stressful time, and with the usual outlet of socializing with their peers unavailable, many are turning to CBD.
Improved focus
It’s fair to say that learning remotely is not the university experience any student dreams of and is taught over a screen, rather than a bustling lecture hall, can hamper focus.
At home, distractions are everywhere, but CBD can help. While cannabis in its original form – which contains high levels of the psychoactive THC – can be associated with impaired cognitive function, studies have found that the use of CBD oil can have the opposite effect and actually boost cognition.
Anxiety
Not surprisingly, a record number of students are reporting symptoms of anxiety, which in turn hampers academic performance and leads to further stress – a vicious circle.
A recent study at Syracuse University, in the US, found that nearly half of the students surveyed reported that they had used CBD products, many of whom cited anxiety as being the primary reason.
CBD is beneficial as it alters the way the brain responds to serotonin, the happy hormone, and can also help to reduce physiological effects like increased heart rate, stress disorder, and insomnia.
Another condition common among students is social anxiety, which is perhaps unsurprising considering the upheaval of leaving home, living with strangers, and making new friends.
Studies have found this can also be alleviated with CBD; in research from 2011, participants with social anxiety were given a dose of 400mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced lower anxiety levels.
Low mood and mental health
As well as anxiety, many students report other mental health issues, such as insomnia, depression, and stress. CBD has been shown to help with all these conditions, without the need for prescription medication. For low mood, in particular, CBD appears to work in a similar way to more standard antidepressant medication, but without the potentially debilitating side effects.
Sleep
Once users feel calmer and happier, they may sleep better too, although early research has also indicated CBD has a physiological impact here. Studies have shown that the compound can stimulate CBD receptors in the part of the brain responsible for maintaining sleep cycles – a double whammy for getting a restful night.
