Happiness is a subjective state of being that comes and goes. Some people would have you think it’s easy. Between the happy-go-lucky family photos and inspirational social media rants, anyone can give off the appearance of having it together all the time. 

From a more practical perspective, though, happiness is only skin-deep. Feeling good and thinking positively requires constant effort, at least for people who live with depression and anxiety. Small things, such as making a phone call or going to the grocery store, can elevate a person’s unhappiness exponentially. 

But like a bad habit, you can come out of bouts of unhappiness. CBD is one way to naturally boost your mood without relying on antidepressants or “happy pills.”

Can CBD make you happier?

By now, most of us have heard about cannabidiol (CBD) oil in one form or another. The sleep and anxiety benefits have been well-documented, as have the positive effects on epilepsy, addiction, chronic pain, and cancer. 

A common thread between public interest and clinical findings is the way that CBD makes people feel. Unlike regular marijuana (THC), CBD induces feel-good effects but doesn’t make you “high.” Similar to THC, CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), but what happens instead could explain why CBD makes people feel calm, relaxed, and at peace. 

One theory is that CBD adjusts faulty brain receptors that are responsible for mood disorders (like depression). The ECS is found throughout the body and aids the body in homeostasis, also called internal balance. 

When you’re stressed, chemicals in the brain trigger a physical response: sweaty armpits, racing heartbeat, muscle tension, etc. In healthy individuals, the ECS helps return the body to homeostasis thanks to neurotransmitters and hormones (more on this later). 

Scientists believe that CBD signals the ECS to step in and stop the brain from sending stress signals throughout the body. 

What are happy hormones?

Now on to the technicalities: how exactly does CBD make you happier? In addition to the impact on the ECS, some theories suggest that CBD boosts happy hormones.

In case you didn’t know, happiness is all about hormones. Next time you tell an unhappy person to “just be happy,” take into consideration the role of hormones:

• Serotonin: People who experience prolonged periods of unhappiness have low serotonin levels. This neurotransmitter/hormone mediates feelings of joy and optimism. 
• Dopamine: That feeling when your social media post gets likes and comments? That’s dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sparks your brain’s reward system. It motivates you to take chances in exchange for pleasurable benefits.  
• Oxytocin: This hormone goes up with physical or emotional affection. Give a hug and you get a boost from the “love hormone.”
• Endorphins: People commonly experience an endorphin release after sex and exercise. This happy hormone even has the power to lower pain. 

The effect on mood

Neurotransmitters and hormones are two possible causes of depression, although some would argue that they’re more of a hypothesis than a clear explanation. 

Psychiatrists do know, however, that emotions come from a chemical response initiated by neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. 

Using CBD as an antidepressant may make it easier for some people to cope with difficult and overwhelming emotions—thanks to CBD’s stabilizing effect on the ECS and neurotransmitters. 

How to use CBD for happiness 

There isn’t one prescription for happiness, but a combination of changes may make a difference:

Skip coffee

Caffeine jitters, need we say more? Some research suggests that caffeine raises dopamine but lowers serotonin levels. People who have high anxiety may want to try CBD tinctures instead. You can dose CBD in a cup of orange juice or tea for gentle mood enhancement. 

Get a Vitamin D dose

If you’re interested in smoking CBD, try taking a vape or bowl outside to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. Sunlight provides an easy serotonin boost, which could strengthen the calming effect of CBD (since CBD works with serotonin that’s already in your system). 

Spend time with loved ones

Surround yourself with people you care about and your oxytocin levels are bound to increase. Bonus points if you laugh! If your entourage is interested, try suggesting a group CBD smoke sesh to experience the benefits of communal happy hormones. 

CBD workouts

Exercise is a great way to get an endorphin rush. Some athletes also incorporate CBD into their workout routine to ease muscle stiffness and improve recovery time. Try taking these CBD softgels 30-45 minutes before your workout. Over time, you could experience a bigger “natural high,” not to forget less muscle pain from the anti-inflammatory duo of hemp and turmeric.

To sum it up 

The important thing to remember about using CBD for happiness is to be patient, observant, and mindful. Bringing more awareness into your every day habits can help you break out of unhappy, depressive spells. Remember to stay proactive about your mental health and keep your doctor in the loop as you supplement with CBD.