Researchers have been looking into medical marijuana health benefits recently. CBD has been of particular interest perhaps because it can be derived from legal hemp which is now legal at the federal level. Research into CBD is at different stages. Are there any benefits of consuming CBD if you are battling anxiety disorders? This article explains how CBD can help with anxiety; highlighting science and dispelling myths. Feel free to speak to one of our experts should you be having any answered questions by the time you get to the tail end of it.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been linked to several health benefits. In case you are suffering from anxiety, CBD might be of help to you.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. It is supposed to alert us of an imminent danger. However, anxiety can be complicated when excessive fear is involved. In this case, the stimuli triggering the anxiety may be unreal. Anxiety disorders affect about 31% of adults in the U.S. This may lead to restlessness, panic, decline in social skills, poor concentration, and even suicidal thoughts. Anxiety disorders can include the following:
- Social anxiety disorders
- General anxiety disorders
- Phobias
- Panic disorders
- Separation anxiety
Conventional treatment for anxiety involves the use of antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs. This may also be coupled with psychotherapy. Recent research on CBD has shown potential benefits that can be harnessed in the management of anxiety. Here are some highlights to take home:
What the Research Says
Previously, researchers examined the various mechanisms through which CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It was observed that CBD has a weak affinity for both receptors of the ECS; CB1 & CB2 receptors. At the same time, it also interacts with serotonin receptors which regulate fear and anxiety. Here are some studies that have focused on CBD’s anti-anxiety effects:
- One study that was conducted in 2011 showed that CBD can reduce social anxiety disorder that is associated with public speaking
- A 2015 review that included 49 studies showed that it can help in addressing different anxiety disorders such as PTSD, OCD, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
- A study that was conducted in 2019 showed the effectiveness of CBD in reducing PTSD symptoms
- However, one 2017 study did not show any significant anxiety relief in a high anxiety group
As the trend from results of these studies is generally positive, it would help to have larger studies that will paint a clearer picture.
How to Use CBD For Anxiety
You can either ingest, inhale, or apply CBD topically. For anxiety relief, ingesting the CBD is always a good option. Below are some of the ways in which you can consume CBD.
Full Spectrum Gel CBD Capsules
CBD oil for anxiety may be packed into capsules that are like regular tabs and hence they are discrete. No one needs to know that you are taking CBD to calm yourself down. They also come in fixed sizes such as 25mg, this makes it easy to dose. The gel capsules are easy to swallow and will not leave a funny taste in your mouth.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are a popular option for consuming CBD. They come in a dropper bottle that makes them easy to dose. All you will need to do is to place a drop or two of CBD beneath the tongue and hold it there for at least 20 seconds. This way, the CBD will be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Tinctures may also be infused with extra herbal extracts such as chamomile that will augment the anxiety-relieving properties of the CBD.
CBD Gummies
If your child is suffering from anxiety you can offer CBD to them in the form of gummies. These colorful chewy treats bring excitement into a regular CBD routine. They come in regular doses such as 25 mg and hence they are easy to dose.
The rule of thumb when consuming CBD is to always start small and adjust upwards as need be. If you start with 25mg of CBD per day you can maintain this dose for three days before increasing it to give your body ample time to get used to it.
Other factors that may influence your CBD dosage include:
- You total body fat percentage
- Your metabolism rate
- Level of anxiety
- Your body chemistry
- The strength of the CBD
Can you take too much CBD?
One study showed that CBD is relatively safe even in doses that are as high as 1,500mg per day. Putting that in context, you will be taking 100 capsules each containing 30mg of CBD per day. No one ever needs that much CBD, not even a fraction of it. But even then, it is still safe. However, CBD may cause some side effects especially to new users or when it is consumed in high doses.
Side Effects of CBD
CBD may cause the following side effects:
- GI disturbances
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Weight and appetite changes
Is CBD legal?
The 2018 Agricultural Act made hemp legal in the US at the federal level. CBD that is derived from hemp is therefore technically legal in all the states. It would be important to ensure that the THC content does not exceed 0.3%, otherwise the hemp would then be marijuana and hence illegal. You should also be cautious when travelling with CBD across borders as some states may not allow you to do so.
Will CBD Make Me High?
Fortunately, CBD does not have negative psychoactive effects. Depending on the chemotype and terpene concentration, CBD may uplift your moods and get you excited. But unlike THC, this will not translate to euphoria.
Always ask for third-party testing results to ensure that the CBD product that you are consuming does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Some CBD products in the market have misleading labels. To be on the safe side, always confirm the safety and potency of the CBD by counter checking third-party testing results. If the results cannot be found on the website you can always ask the company to make them available.
Receptra Naturals is committed to offering the highest quality CBD products to consumers. All products are tested by a third-party lab to confirm claims on potency and purity. Receptra offers a wide variety of CBD products to ensure that customers always get what they are looking for. Receptra offers a special formula CBD for anxiety gel capsules that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Contact Receptra Naturals to learn more about the benefits of CBD.