CBD for Medical Conditions

CBD and Suicide Prevention - April 2024

Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Kimberly Langdon, MD

Written by Fay Smith Updated on 1 April 2024 | 4 minutes read

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Kimberly Langdon, MD
Updated on 1 April 2024
Written by: Fay Smith

Read time
4 minutes read

Suicide is injuring oneself with the intent to die. There are several risk factors why people commit suicide, including hopelessness, psychiatric disorders, and existing medical conditions⁽¹⁾.
Suicide can be prevented through observation of warning signs and seeking counseling and help.
CBD has analgesic and anxiolytic properties that may help relieve pain and anxiety⁽²⁾. These beneficial properties can be associated with suicide prevention.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not yet approved CBD for medicinal purposes. Individuals are advised to seek psychiatric help and counseling regarding anxiety, depression, and other symptoms related to suicide.

How CBD Helps Prevent or Reduce Suicide Attempts

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive substance of the cannabis plant that is a component of medical marijuana. CBD is said to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) health benefits that may help manage pain and anxiety⁽³⁾.

CBD engages the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors to help the body maintain the stability necessary for survival⁽⁴⁾.

These properties associated with cannabis use may be linked to maintaining overall mental health and managing and preventing suicide.

Suicide is the act of causing injury to oneself with the intent to die. Additionally, a suicide attempt is when one injures themselves. However, these individuals’ efforts are unsuccessful⁽⁵⁾.

Several suicide risk factors can contribute to why people consider taking their own life. These factors include⁽⁶⁾:

Feelings of hopelessness
Substance abuse
Psychiatric disorders
Hostile social environment
Existing medical conditions
Previous suicide attempt

Psychiatric or mood disorders associated with suicide include depression, bipolar disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder⁽⁷⁾.

Additionally, some health conditions may be linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety. These conditions include terminal illness, chronic pain, or chronic disease that may lead to suicidal ideation.

Mental disorders like schizophrenia can also be associated with psychosis, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts⁽⁸⁾.

Furthermore, suicides are often not reported. It may also be a challenge to determine if a person plans to end their life through suicide⁽⁹⁾.

According to the AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. In 2019, approximately 1.38 million people attempted suicide at least once. In that same year, 47,511 Americans died by suicide⁽¹⁰⁾.

The AFSP also mentioned that in 2019, male suicide deaths were almost four times that of females, and firearms were accounted for more than half the suicide deaths.

However, 93% of people surveyed in the U.S. in 2019 believe suicide can be prevented⁽¹¹⁾.

Guide to Using CBD to Help Prevent Suicides

Several studies in the PubMed database of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mention CBD and its antidepressant and antipsychotic potential. These properties may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with suicide.

A 2015 study published in Neurotherapeutics suggested that the use of CBD may help provide relief for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Some of these disorders include⁽¹²⁾:

Generalized anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder

CBD does not have the psychoactive effects as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid component of the Cannabis sativa plant⁽¹³⁾. Thus, compared to THC, CBD may be more accepted by individuals with anxiety.

In 1995, a case study was performed on the effects of CBD on a patient with schizophrenia. The results showed a reduction of psychotic symptoms, suggesting that CBD may have antipsychotic potential⁽¹⁴⁾.

In a review published in 2015, the authors mentioned that CBD may have significant psychiatric potential that may exhibit anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects⁽¹⁵⁾.

In another review published in Surgical Neurology International in 2018, CBD was shown to demonstrate potential in reducing anxiety by affecting the brain’s hippocampus, cingulate cortex areas, and serotonin receptors⁽¹⁶⁾.

The hippocampus is connected with learning and memory⁽¹⁷⁾. Meanwhile, the cingulate cortex is associated with emotional responses⁽¹⁸⁾.

The serotonin receptors are responsible for modulating serotonin levels and neurotransmitter release⁽¹⁹⁾. Serotonin is a hormone that affects people’s well-being, mood, and happiness⁽²⁰⁾.

There are several types of CBD products to choose from that can be taken based on factors like one’s body weight, medical condition, and preference. For example, CBD oils may be ingested as tinctures, capsules, or edibles, like gummies.

Despite the potential benefits in helping manage symptoms associated with suicide, CBD use may have side effects. Some of these effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, fatigue, and loss of appetite⁽²¹⁾.

Except for Epidiolex, an FDA-approved medical cannabis product for epilepsy, CBD products are marketed as supplements and not as medication⁽²²⁾.

Conclusion

Based on various CBD studies to date, CBD shows potential in reducing the symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression.

These benefits create a potential for CBD to be associated with suicide prevention.

Before taking CBD to help manage symptoms linked with suicide, individuals with tendencies to contemplate ending their life or their family members should first consult with a doctor regarding CBD use and, if possible, raise concerns related to suicidal thoughts early on.

Suicide is considered tragic, and the psychiatry of a person attempting suicide is complicated to understand. However, it is preventable. Some of the simplest ways to help prevent suicide are observing the warning signs and seeking professional help.

In the U.S., there are various organizations dedicated to helping prevent suicide and suicide attempts. One such organization is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Individuals seeking help with suicide prevention can contact NSPL’s toll-free number at 1-800-273-8255 or chat with a counselor through the organization’s chat support.

Other organizations that offer counseling and support for suicide prevention include: