Compare the Best CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder in 2022

How CBD May Help With Bipolar Disorder

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, which may contain antidepressant, anxiety-relieving, and neuroprotective properties(1). 

CBD may help relieve symptoms of mental health-related conditions, including depression⁽²⁾. Previously known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder may include episodes of depression⁽³⁾. Thus, CBD may help relieve bipolar-associated depression. 

A review published in CNS & Neurological Disorders – Drug Targets hypothesized that CBD may help manage bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson’s disease, substance abuse and dependence, and sleep disorders⁽⁴⁾. 

Additionally, CBD’s potential benefits for relieving bipolar disorder may be linked to its interaction with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS helps regulate biological functions such as mood, pain perception, appetite, sleep, and metabolism. 

The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2). 

CB1 receptors primarily exist in the brain and central nervous system (CNS), liver, kidneys, and lungs⁽⁵⁾. These receptors help maintain bodily functions like mood, pain sensation, memory processing, appetite, and sleep.  

Meanwhile, CB2 receptors are contained in cells within the immune system. These cannabinoid receptors stimulate an anti-inflammatory response, reducing pain and managing tissue damage. 

Research also indicated that CBD may produce anxiety-relieving anxiolytic effects by indirectly activating receptors such as 5-HT1A serotonin receptors⁽⁶⁾. 

Serotonin is among the chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters that regulate feelings of wellness and happiness. 

A study published by Neurochemical Research noted that cannabidiol may inhibit reuptake in the brain, increasing serotonin’s availability to the body⁽⁷⁾. CBD may help alleviate anxiety and stabilize mood disorders with improved regulation of serotonin.

Another study examined CBD’s potential antidepressant qualities⁽⁸⁾. Results suggested that the compound may reduce the symptoms of depressive episodes in mice.  

Future research on human subjects is needed to determine if cannabidiol produces similar results in mental disorders like bipolar disorder. 

Researchers of a 2020 review hypothesized that CBD may produce anxiolytic effects⁽⁹⁾. The compound may inhibit fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzymes. 

Such enzymes metabolize the cannabinoid anandamide in the body. Cannabinoids are a group of cannabis-derived compounds. One example is CBD.  

Recent research studies highlighted CBD as a potential antipsychotic treatment^(10-11). Cannabidiol may also provide neuroprotective effects, suggesting that it may help manage psychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder.  

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Bipolar Disorder

Research suggests that cannabidiol may help relieve physical symptoms associated with various conditions, such as chronic pain⁽¹²⁾. 

The potential benefits of CBD for mental health conditions include anxiety-relieving and antidepressant effects⁽¹³⁾. Thus, it may help manage the symptoms of mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder.  

The chemical element lithium may be prescribed with psychotic medications. However, such medicines may cause side effects such as sedation, weight gain, and depression⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Cannabidiol is a potential alternative to bipolar patients who respond poorly to psychosis medications, like lithium. 

A 2018 review evaluated the clinical use of medical cannabis and cannabidiol for mental wellness in animal and human studies⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Researchers reported that plant-based compounds known as phytocannabinoids, like CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), contain potential neuroprotective properties.  Such findings suggest that bipolar patients may benefit from CBD oil products.

The result of an animal study on mice subjects suggested that CBD may produce antidepressant effects by activating serotonin receptors⁽¹⁶⁾. 

Additional research is warranted to determine if CBD also produces similar effects in humans with mental conditions like bipolar spectrum disorders. 

Meanwhile, a human study assessed CBD’s effect on patients with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD)⁽¹⁷⁾. The participants received either an oral dose of CBD or a placebo. 

Results suggested that CBD may reduce anxiety and boost one’s mood compared to subjects given a placebo. 

A review on the use of cannabis assessed the role of cannabinoids like CBD and THC in bipolar affective disorder⁽¹⁸⁾. 

Researchers reported that these compounds have potential antidepressant, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects. These findings suggest that cannabidiol may help manage bipolar disorder. 

Despite such promising results, additional human clinical trials are necessitated to investigate CBD as a potential treatment for bipolar disorder. 

How to Safely Administer CBD Oil for Bipolar Disorder 

It is highly advised for people with bipolar disorder to avoid consuming cannabis products with a high THC content. Numerous studies have linked high-THC marijuana use to a higher risk of psychiatric disorders⁽¹⁹⁾. 

It would help if you also deliberated with your doctor before taking CBD for bipolar disorder. This step may help prevent the adverse effects of potential drug interactions. 

A physician can also help guide you on the proper usage and dosage of CBD products. 

You can take CBD oil products for bipolar disorder in various forms, including the following options: 

CBD Tinctures

You can use a dropper to apply CBD oil tinctures underneath the tongue for faster absorption into the bloodstream. 

Hold the CBD drops underneath the tongue for one or two minutes before swallowing. CBD tinctures are available in different flavors and can be mixed with coffee, smoothies, or food. 

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules must pass through the digestive tract. Thus, they may take longer before producing significant results for bipolar disorder than other options, like CBD tinctures. 

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles may help users avoid the earthy taste of CBD hemp extract. Options include CBD chocolate bars, CBD gummies, and CBD cookies.  

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals include CBD creams, CBD lotions, CBD balms, and CBD salves. The skin’s surface absorbs CBD. 

CBD Vapes

CBD vape pens may provide instant effects as the vapors enter the bloodstream through the lungs rather than the digestive system. 

Additionally, state and local health departments, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have assessed the national outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI)⁽²⁰⁾.  

CBD Dosage for Bipolar Disorder

No official recommended CBD dose exists for bipolar disorder.

Research suggested that CBD dosage of up to 1,500 milligrams per day is well tolerated in human subjects⁽²¹⁾. 

However, Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD product utilized to treat rare forms of epilepsy⁽²²⁾.  

The best option is to begin taking cannabidiol at small doses and gradually increase the dosage until you achieve the intended results.  

Seeking help from a healthcare provider with experience in CBD use is advisable to identify the proper CBD dosage based on your particular needs. 

How Long CBD Takes to Help With Bipolar Disorder

Researchers have conducted no studies on the quantity of time required to experience the biological effects of CBD for bipolar disorder.  

You may feel the localized effects of CBD topicals within 10 minutes⁽²³⁾. 

After swallowing CBD tinctures, you may experience the effects within 15 to 30 minutes after application⁽²⁴⁾. 

Meanwhile, you may feel the therapeutic effects of CBD edibles within 30 minutes to two hours after consumption⁽²⁵⁾. 

CBD vape oil may produce biological effects within two minutes⁽²⁶⁾. However, inhaling vapor or smoke may cause allergic reactions and chemical irritation⁽²⁷⁾. 

How Long CBD Helps With Bipolar Disorder

Researchers have conducted no studies on the efficacy duration of CBD products for bipolar disease. 

A 2018 review determined that the half-life of CBD was two to five days after individuals took a daily oral dose⁽²⁸⁾.  

Half-life refers to the amount of time necessitated for a substance’s amount to reduce to half of its original value⁽²⁹⁾.

Meanwhile, past human and animal studies suggest that the bioavailability of cannabidiol ranges from 13% to 19%⁽³⁰⁾. 

Bioavailability is the rate and the degree to which an active drug ingredient is absorbed and becomes available at the location of drug action⁽³¹⁾. 

Risks and Side Effects of Utilizing CBD for Bipolar Disorder

Although cannabidiol may help manage bipolar disorder, it may induce particular side effects, including⁽³²⁾: 

• Tiredness
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Reduced appetite
• Changes in weight 
• Diarrhea

The compound may also interact with medicines, such as blood thinners. 

Seeking professional medical advice is vital to prevent possible adverse effects from CBD. 

How to Select the Right CBD for Bipolar Disorder

CBD for bipolar disorder is available in various forms, including CBD tinctures, CBD edibles, CBD capsules, CBD topicals, and CBD vapes. Follow these tips when selecting the best CBD oil:   

• Seek professional help before using CBD for bipolar disorder, primarily if you use CBD products for severe health conditions, including bipolar disorder.
• Find CBD brands accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Such companies tend to have excellent customer service.
• Pick organic CBD products free of genetically modified organisms (non-GMO). These options include CBD brands producing cannabidiol products from local hemp, such as plants from Oregon, Colorado, and Kentucky. Such companies promote sustainable farming. 
• Research the type of extraction process used, such as CO2 extraction. 
• Review a company’s disclaimers and avoid unsubstantiated health claims. 
• Select CBD products that post third-party lab results from a certificate of analysis (COA). COAs are often available on a CBD brand’s website. The CBD products should be free of pesticides, residual solvents, and other harmful contaminants. 
• Look for high-quality products that compare the product label claims with the COA. 
• Learn about the three types of CBD products. Full-spectrum CBD oil products contain all cannabinoids in cannabis plants. They include flavonoids, terpenes, and fatty acids. 
• Broad-spectrum CBD also contains a wide range of cannabis-derived compounds. However, it is usually THC-free. 
• CBD isolates contain pure CBD and usually no other cannabinoids. 

Legality of CBD

On the U.S. federal level, hemp-derived CBD products with 0.3% or less THC are not considered controlled substances⁽³³⁾. 

The psychoactive compound THC produces a euphoric feeling. High-THC marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled drug due to its high risk for abuse because of THC’s psychoactive effects⁽³⁴⁾. 

The FDA prohibits the legal sale of products containing CBD or THC as dietary supplements⁽³⁵⁾. 

Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved cannabis-derived drug product⁽³⁶⁾. The prescription medications may help control seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy in children.

Learning state laws and purchasing CBD oil products in areas that offer medical marijuana legally is advisable. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder refers to a mental illness that causes manic episodes known as mania or hypomania, extreme mood swings, and depression⁽³⁷⁾.  

Research shows that 4.4% of adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder⁽³⁸⁾. 

Children diagnosed with the condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may later develop other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder⁽³⁹⁾. 

Symptoms of bipolar disorder include severe mood fluctuations that may result in significant distress and life difficulties⁽⁴⁰⁾.  People may also experience shifts in activity and energy levels⁽⁴¹⁾. 

Bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder are the three types of bipolar disorders⁽⁴²⁾. 

Bipolar I disorder is one manic episode followed by major depressive episodes, while bipolar II disorder is one or more major depressive episodes and one hypomanic episode⁽⁴³⁾.

Cyclothymic disorder is several periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms⁽⁴⁴⁾.