A new study published in Neuropharmacology suggests that even a very low dose of cannabidiol (CBD) may be enough to partially reverse symptoms of depression brought on by chronic stress.
Researchers from the Universitat de Barcelona and the University of Greifswald used a well-established mouse model of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to examine the effects of CBD. Mice exposed to chronic stress were treated with just 1 mg/kg of CBD, a significantly lower dose than what is typically tested in similar studies.
The results showed notable improvements in brain regions associated with mood regulation, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Mass spectrometry revealed changes in several neurotransmitter systems, including glutamatergic and serotonergic pathways—both of which are commonly implicated in depression. Further analysis using microstructural techniques showed that CBD restored mature synapses in the mPFC, suggesting that the treatment helped repair brain circuitry damaged by stress.
The study concludes that a very low dose of CBD can counteract the neurobiological impact of chronic stress, likely through synaptic remodeling. These findings support the growing body of evidence that CBD may be a promising treatment option for depression, especially for individuals who do not respond well to traditional therapies.
