Cannabis essential oils can make people feel more energized, relaxed and calm, and may play a role in treating stress, depression, and anxiety, according to new research.

The research was published by the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. For the study, researchers “examined the effects of essential oil from legal (THC <0.2% w/v) hemp variety on the nervous system in 5 healthy volunteers.” The experiment consisted of “measuring autonomic nervous system (ANS) parameters; evaluations of the mood state; and electroencephalography (EEG) recording before treatment, during treatment, and after hemp inhalation periods as compared with control conditions.”

The results “revealed decreased diastolic blood pressure, increased heart rate, and significant increased skin temperature. The subjects described themselves as; more energetic, relaxed, and calm.” The analysis EEG “showed a significant increase in the mean frequency of alpha (8-13 Hz) and significant decreased mean frequency and relative power of beta 2 (18,5-30 Hz) waves.”

Moreover, “an increased power, relative power, and amplitude of theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha brain waves activities and an increment in the delta wave (0,5-4 Hz) power and relative power was recorded in the posterior region of the brain.”

The study concludes by stating “These results suggest that the brain wave activity and ANS are affected by the inhalation of the EO of Cannabissativa suggesting a neuromodular activity in cases of stress, depression, and anxiety.”

More information on this study can be found on the website of the National Institute of Health.

The full abstract of the study can be found below: