CBD or cannabidiol is a popular natural treatment for various neurological and psychological conditions. While not extensive, recent studies have shown that CBD is especially helpful in treating anxiety disorder.
Now that CBD is made federally legal through the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is getting more popular than ever. Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD in treating anxiety, and the different methods of taking it.
How CBD works
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not have an addicting component, therefore not giving the “high”. Instead, it interacts with the central nervous system, especially the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can affect serotonin signals.
Serotonin is in charge of stabilizing or regulating emotions including feelings of happiness and well-being. This means low levels of serotonin can also lead to anxiety and even depression.
CBD does not increase serotonin. Instead, it affects how the brain’s chemical receptors respond to serotonin in the body, even modulating its release.
Can CBD help treat your anxiety?
CBD is popular for treating or relieving many mental issues, including anxiety. Recent studies, in particular, have discovered that CBD can treat people who are struggling with anxiety.
However, it is important to note that these studies only utilize a small sample size. This means, this does not necessarily represent the general population. While the results have been positive, more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of CBD as a treatment for anxiety.
Can CBD help fight depression?
Besides anxiety, CBD is also known to be a popular treatment for depression. Although more studies need to be done about the effect of CBD on depression, the initial results of the few studies done are quite promising.
What does research say about CBD and anxiety?
According to studies, CBD has positive effects when interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain. Since it affects the emotions of the person and encourages feelings of happiness, this makes it a great compound for mental conditions such as anxiety and even depression or PTSD.
Benefits Of CBD Oil for Treating Anxiety
CBD oil has a lot of benefits including relief from anxiety-induced symptoms.
Ability to cope with stressors
CBD is found to help reduce cortisol levels in the body. According to studies, CBD engages with the endocannabinoid system which regulates critical cognitive and physiological functions including, memory, pain control, muscular functions, and even emotional processing such as fear, stress, and anxiety
Improved overall mood and state of mind
Reduce Muscular tension
CBD is also a natural relaxant, and it doesn’t just mask the symptoms. CBD engages with the endocannabinoid system which affects muscular functions, treating muscular pain and tension from the cellular level.
Difficulties concentrating
Stress can cause difficulties in concentration. When regulated, concentration becomes possible, and even easier as well.
Fatigue
New research shows that CBD oils improve energy levels, treating fatigue.
What is the right dose of CBD for anxiety?
CBD dosage for anxiety can be affected by several factors such as your body weight, age, and the type of CBD product you want to take.
If you are suffering from anxiety and want to explore CBD as a form of treatment, talk to your doctor right away. Everyone’s needs are different, so consulting your doctor will help you determine how much CBD is best for you and often you need to take it.
If you cannot go to a doctor or if you have not received a recommended dosage, you can also try taking CBD in small doses, gradually building up until you experience effects. However, make sure to keep track of your dosage and write down how much CBD you are taking every day.
What are the side effects of CBD?
While generally safe, CBD can also come with side effects such as the following:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
To make sure you avoid negative side effects from CBD, seeking the guidance of your doctor or healthcare provider is important.
Best CBD products for anxiety
You can consumer CBD for your anxiety in the following forms:
CBD oils
Considered the most common and the most popular, CBD oils come in bottles with droppers and are ingested by placing a few drops under the tongue. Because CBD is immediately absorbed by the body, it does not take a long time for the CBD oil to work for anxiety.
CBD gummies
CBD gummies are a tastier and more fun way of taking CBDs. They usually come in different sweet flavors. To choose the best CBD gummies for anxiety and stress, browse through the Atmos CBD gummies in different flavors.
CBD pills
CBD in pill form is an easier way to ingest CBD, and it’s pre-measured so you don’t have to worry about taking the right dosage. Unlike gummies, however, CBD pills usually do not have any flavor.
CBD tinctures
CBD tinctures are like CBD oils because they are ingested by placing a few drops under the tongue. However, this type of CBD is an alcohol-based extract and has a more bitter flavor than CBD oils
CBD drinks
CBD drinks are basically drinks or water infused with CBD particles. They can be alcoholic and non-alcoholic and claim to relax and help relieve anxiety.
CBD Creams and Salves
As the name suggests, CBD creams and salves are topical creams and ointments applied directly to the body part that needs relief from pain or tension.
How to choose the best CBD products for anxiety
CBD companies and retailers are getting more prevalent than ever. But you can never know if the CBD product your purchase is of premium quality if you don’t do ample research.
Here’s what you need to watch out for when choosing CBD products for anxiety:
Ingredients
Check what’s in the CBD product before purchasing. The law requires that only industrial hemp-derived CBD and less than 0.3% THC are allowed.
Dosage
The higher the CBD content, the more effective the product is going to be in treating your anxiety.
Reviews
You want to get CBD from a CBD company or retailer with positive reviews from their customers. This assures you that the product works and that there is a high chance of you getting the same results as others.
Third-Party Testing
It is important to be more careful about what we put inside our bodies. For this reason, when purchasing CBD products, make sure that the products have been tested by a third-party and the ingredients and dosage indicated on the labels are accurate.
How to buy CBD
Although CBD from industrial hemp is federally legal, rules on purchasing CBD may differ from state to state. Some states allow everyone access to CBD products regardless of age, while some states only allow access to buyers who are over the age of 18 or 21.
If you’re not sure what your state says about who can buy CBD, please refer to your state’s CBD laws.
