How Effective Is CBD for Anxiety?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many cannabinoids that the cannabis plant naturally produces. This substance does not make you high, but it could help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and a wide range of other diseases. Continue reading to find out more about how CBD can help with anxiety.

What Is CBD?

Recently, CBD has gotten the most attention from researchers. The other well-known cannabinoid in the cannabis plant is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In addition to CBD and THC, the cannabis plant has about 540 different cannabinoids. These components attach to particular receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors.

Recent research suggests that CBD has strong therapeutic effects. CBD can help with pain and inflammation because it has anti-inflammatory properties. It works by stopping certain enzymes from working and reproducing, which causes inflammation in the body.

A review published in CNS Drugs in 2020 found that CBD therapy helped people with Dravet Syndrome, a type of seizure disorder that does not respond to drug medications. Since the world is slowly becoming more open to using medical cannabis, a lot of researchers are looking into the many ways that cannabis and CBD can help people.

An article in Dialogues of Clinical Neuroscience says that anxiety-related disorders are among the most common types of psychiatric disorders. As per the estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 19.1% of adults in the United States have an anxiety disorder, with women being more likely to have anxiety than men. One of the most important questions for doctors is whether or not CBD can help in managing anxiety. 

How Does CBD Work on Anxiety?

In the body, there are many kinds of receptors, which are chemical substances attached to your cells and pick up signals from various sources. Most of these receptors are found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. CBD affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors in some way.

It is still unclear how CBD works with the CB1 receptors in the brain. However, it may alter signals for serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that keeps your mind healthy. When you have a mental issue like generalized anxiety disorder, the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin are often too low.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac or Zoloft are usually given to people with low serotonin levels. But since SSRIs can only be bought with a prescription, CBD could be a good alternative for managing anxiety disorders in some people. However, before making any changes to your medication, you must talk to your primary doctor.

Research on the Effectiveness of CBD for Anxiety Disorders

CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety is in contrast to THC’s potential to increase or induce anxiety. Multiple clinical trials and relevant animal studies have shown that CBD can help with a wide range of anxiety problems.

A recent survey of 2,000 people in the United States, done by OnePoll and paid for by Forbes Health, found that 51% of the people in the U.S. use CBD to help relieve anxiety symptoms and reduce stress.

However, CBD has not yet been permitted to be used as an anxiolytic. Thus, you should consult a cannabis specialist or doctor to decide if CBD is safe to help with your anxiety. Below, we will discuss what the research says about CBD and the recommended dose guidelines for safety and side effects that you should know.

CBD for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

In 2011, a small study looked at the effects of CBD on people with a generalized social anxiety disorder and healthy patients who were taking a simulated public speaking test (SPST). Compared to a placebo, CBD made the patients with generalized social anxiety disorder feel much less anxious and uncomfortable.

In another study done in 2019, researchers compared the effects of three different CBD doses (150 milligrams, 300 milligrams, and 600 milligrams) to a placebo in men who were taking an SPST. Compared to a placebo, 300 milligrams of CBD significantly reduced participants’ anxiety during the speech, while 150 milligrams and 600 milligrams did not. These numbers show that dosages can be very different and that higher CBD dosage is not always better.

More research in 2019 looked at the effects of CBD at doses much lower than those used in the vast majority of other clinical studies. Some participants took 25 milligrams of CBD daily, while others took 50 milligrams and 75 milligrams daily.

It was observed that it would be hard for participants to keep up with high doses in their daily lives and that low doses would still help with anxiety. In addition, the sleep quality of the participants got better.

CBD for Depression and Non-cancer Pain

In 2020, researchers looked at the effects of different amounts of CBD oil on 397 people with a wide range of illnesses. People who took part in the study with non-cancer pain said they felt less anxious and sad and were able to do their regular activities more efficiently.

CBD for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Phobias

In a 2019 trial with only 11 people, it was found that the severity of patients’ post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was lessened when CBD was taken by mouth and given along with standard psychiatric therapy.

Other studies have shown that taking CBD and THC together can help reduce the effects of PTSD. When taken together, CBD and THC have what is called an “entourage effect,” in which the benefits of CBD are amplified by THC and vice versa, making for a more balanced experience.

Several human studies have found that adding CBD to treatments like exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may help stop associating specific triggers with a fear response.

Hemp-Derived CBD Products for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Other Anxiety Disorders

CBD comes in many forms, not all of which help with anxiety disorders. It is possible that you won’t know the best CBD products to use with your anxiety until you try a few different ones. You might find that a particular method works better for you than the others. Some of the popular CBD products include:

• CBD oils and tinctures: These are special kinds of cannabis extracts with high CBD concentrations. Check out Mota CBD Sleep Tincture if you have sleep problems due to anxiety and stress.
• CBD gummies: Are made with two primary ingredients: gelatin and CBD oil. These are simple and tasty ways to take CBD. Try Baronnes Just Peachy CBD Gummies or Baroness Little Piggies to help you relax and find comfort in your day without a psychoactive buzz.
• CBD sprays: Sprays come in bottles with nozzles that you can use to spray on your mouth
• CBD tablets, capsules, and softgels: These are CBD products that contain CBD oil and other ingredients like beeswax and vegetable glycerin. CBD capsules are an excellent potential remedy for an anxiety disorder since they are easy to use and digest
• CBD vape cartridges: These are vaping devices that heat CBD oil, producing an inhalable vapor
• CBD flowers: Are dried hemp plants that do not induce any psychoactive effects. These are often ignited and smoked. Check out Nectar Herbal Smoke which contains 250mg CBD that can heighten cellular sensation and enhance relaxation.
• CBD creams and gels: These are just two examples of topical CBD products that can be used directly on the skin to manage anxiety, pain, and inflammation. CBD lotions and ointments usually have the cannabinoid mixed with beeswax and coconut oil  

How to Find the Best CBD for Anxiety Disorder

You might be wondering how to find the best CBD oil or other CBD products in the market. First, look at the most popular on the market right now. Then, inspect their ingredients, sources of hemp oil, customer reviews, and so on. Here is a checklist of the things you should look for in nonprescription CBD products:

• Ingredients: One of the most important things you should see when choosing the ideal CBD for anxiety is the product’s list of ingredients. Look for products that contain high-quality CBD and other well-known ingredients that can help relieve anxiety symptoms.
• Dosage: When managing anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, getting the right amount of CBD is crucial. CBD oil that comes in a concentrated form and has many active ingredients works best for anxiety.
• Reviews: The reviews of the CBD products used for anxiety are critical. It is vital to consider products that have pure CBD and are made with quality ingredients. But on top of that, you should also investigate the product reviews and see if it has positive testimonials from people who have bought them.
• Lab tests: When using CBD for anxiety, it is vital to go for products that an independent third-party lab has tested. The test ensures that the ingredients and dosage indicated on the packaging and label are accurate and correct.

How to Find the Correct CBD Dosage

Various research has been done on the effects of CBD on anxiety disorders, but researchers and experts have not yet come up with a standard dose of CBD for treatment. How much CBD you take for anxiety relief depends on the product and the administration method.

Taking CBD products by mouth can help alleviate anxiety symptoms throughout the day. It is suggested that you consume CBD in the morning, preferably with breakfast. On the other hand, using CBD vapes can help you feel calm and relaxed almost immediately, which can be helpful if you have to do public speaking or you have panic attacks.

How to Know Which CBD Product to Use to Help With Anxiety

There are many things to consider when looking for the best CBD product for anxiety. It is vital to consider several things, like your lifestyle, finances, and cannabis experience. Before you spend your money on a CBD product, you should do some research because not all of them are made the same way.

Some people with generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental illnesses suggest CBD as an effective remedy. However, this only applies if you choose the right product and dosage. Some may see the substance as an effective treatment for a mental disorder, but we strongly suggest consulting a doctor or specialist before adding CBD to your lifestyle.

Potential Adverse Effects of CBD

Researchers found that people could have a good experience with CBD even at doses as high as 1,500 milligrams per day. However, not enough conclusive studies have been made to detect or confirm other potential risks and anxiolytic effects of this cannabinoid.

One side effect of CBD is that it can make you sleepy, which is why it is popular to relieve anxiety and help with sleep problems. Other side effects include weight changes since CBD can make you feel less hungry.

Research shows that CBD may help with anxiety, the most common mental health problem. However, it is worth noting the FDA does not control CBD for anxiety. If you already take prescription drugs or dietary supplements, you might want to talk to your doctor before starting to use CBD.

Are You Interested in Trying CBD for Anxiety?

Do you have social anxiety, panic, or generalized anxiety disorder? Find out if CBD products can help alleviate those disorders’ symptoms. Ahuevo’s CBD products are lab tested and made of quality ingredients. Thus, you can ensure that you are taking a safe and effective remedy to reduce stress, sleep problems, and anxiety disorders.

Head over to our CBD products section to see the available cannabis items that you can use to relieve the symptoms of your anxiety and other mental or physical health issues. Secure your order today to receive your items within the day through our same-day delivery service around Metro Vancouver!

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