What emerging research suggests for mental wellness in Miami-Dade County
Seasonal mood changes aren’t limited to colder climates. Even in South Florida, shifts in daylight, holiday stress, and end-of-year pressures can affect emotional well-being. As Miami-Dade County residents place growing emphasis on mental health and wellness, interest is rising around cannabidiol—better known as CBD—and its potential role in managing seasonal mood changes.
What research says about CBD and seasonal mood shifts
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression linked to reduced daylight and routine changes, often intensifying during the holiday season. While SAD is not a qualifying condition for medical marijuana use in Florida, experts affiliated with the Marijuana Medical Research and Education Initiative (MMERI) at Florida A&M University note that many individuals explore CBD as a non-intoxicating option to support emotional balance.
CBD does not produce the “high” associated with THC and is commonly used for anxiety, sleep support, and stress management. According to psychiatrist Naomi Jeanty-Higgins, some patients report that CBD provides a calming effect that helps them better navigate seasonal stressors, though results can vary and more research is ongoing.
Education, caution, and personal awareness
Personal experiences shared through MMERI highlight the importance of informed decision-making. Individuals who found that THC worsened anxiety reported more positive outcomes after switching to CBD, often using it in simple forms such as oils mixed into tea or water.
Medical professionals caution against relying on recreational cannabis as a coping mechanism, citing risks related to dependency and inconsistent product quality. Instead, experts emphasize a comprehensive approach that may include therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and evidence-based wellness strategies—alongside open conversations about mental health.
For Miami-Dade County, where community awareness and public education are central to wellness initiatives, understanding both the potential and the limits of CBD is key.
As interest in mental health solutions continues to grow across South Florida, staying informed matters. Subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter for ongoing coverage of public health, wellness trends, and community education. Local businesses and agencies interested in reaching our engaged readership are invited to contact Pressnet Corp. for advertising and partnership opportunities.
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