Does CBD Help with Anxiety?
We have all been anxious at some point in life and may experience anxiety in the future. Pharmaceuticals provide medications to help manage anxiety symptoms for healthier lives. However, some artificial medicines can have side effects you do not want to deal with, especially if you do not have an anxiety disorder. Have you been looking for alternative ways to ease anxiety and came across CBD? It is essential to learn more about CBD, including whether it can actually alleviate anxiety. Below is a guide on CBD for anxiety explaining how it works, how to use it and certain info about CBD you didn’t know about.
Is CBD Effective to Treat Anxiety?
CBD is not a treatment for anxiety. However, preliminary research shows promising results, but more studies are needed. Some people with anxiety who have used CBD also report that the cannabinoid has helped ease their symptoms. Researchers have found that CBD has calming properties that may lower anxiety to support the overall well-being of users. Experts also explain that CBD may interfere with serotonin levels to help manage anxiety.
CBD works with the endocannabinoid system in the human body to ease anxiety. The system regulates functions such as pain, mood, sleep, and memory to ensure balance in the body. When you are feeling anxious, the system works to balance your body and keep you calm. Plant cannabinoids like CBD boost the system’s performance in carrying out its roles. CBD is non-addictive and does not make users high. THC is the cannabinoid that makes people high.
What Does Research Say about CBD and Anxiety?
Anxiety is a symptom we have all experienced at some point. However, an anxiety disorder is a condition that affects one’s personal and work life and needs medical intervention. There are different types of anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Several studies have been done on CBD and anxiety, but more research is necessary to establish whether there is a link between CBD and reduced anxiety. A 2011 study discovered that CBD might reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. The participants were given an oral CBD dose of 400mg.
A small study done in 2018 found that CBD reduced anxiety in participants using an oral CBD dose of 300mg. The dosage was administered 90 minutes before a simulated public speaking test, and the study involved 57 male subjects.
Despite the promising research results, the studies are small, and others involved animals. More studies involving a large number of people are needed to determine whether CBD can alleviate CBD or not. The additional research should also touch on the effective dosage to use.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety
There are different ways of using CBD for anxiety. You can utilize CBD oil, gummies, or capsules to ease anxiety. Among these the most popular way of taking CBD is consuming CBD oil for anxiety. Because administering CBD oil under the tongue is the fastest way to get CBD into your bloodstream. Apply a few drops and wait for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. Holding the oil in your mouth for a few seconds increases the absorption of CBD into the body. You should feel the effects in 10-20 minutes. CBD oils come in dropper bottles to help you measure accurate CBD portions.
Apart from using CBD oil for anxiety, CBD gummies and capsules are wonderful for on-the-go use. Each capsule and gummy carries a pre-measured amount of CBD, so you do not have to measure servings. Nevertheless, gummies and capsules go through your gut. Therefore, it takes longer for them to take effect in your body, and some of the CBD is lost along the gut. However, the effects of CBD capsules and gummies last longer than CBD oil. When you need a discreet, easy way to utilize CBD, chews and pills are great options.
How Much CBD Should I take for Anxiety?
There is no universal dose of using CBD for anxiety. Even the studies that have been done involve different doses of CBD. It is recommended that you start with a low CBD quantity, such as 10 mg per serving, and evaluate how your body responds for at least a week. If you do not feel any changes in anxiety, you can gradually increase the dosage until you find an effective CBD quantity for you.
Starting with a low dosage introduces CBD to your body gently. Besides, you can determine if a low CBD amount is effective before trying a higher dose. CBD can be costly. You do not want to spend money on a stronger CBD product when a low potency can be effective.
Ensure you purchase high-quality, tested CBD for anxiety. The best CBD oil, gummies, and capsules for anxiety contain CBD extracted from organic hemp, which is free of chemicals. They also contain other natural ingredients such as carrier oil, flavors, color, and sweeteners. Premium CBD brands also use CO2 to derive CBD from hemp plants. The process is clean, solvent-free, and green.
The best CBD products go through third-party testing, and the lab reports are easily accessible. Lab technicians check them for cannabinoids and contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, and solvent residues to ensure purity.
What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Taking CBD?
CBD has comparative a safer profile with no risk of abuse or dependency. Many CBD users tolerate the cannabinoid well and do not have any health problems. However, CBD has rare side effects, including dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and changes in weight and appetite. Our bodies react differently to wellness products like CBD. The few effects should not scare you from using CBD products for anxiety.
If you are on anxiety medication or have another health condition, consult your doctor before using CBD for anxiety. CBD interacts with some medicines, affecting their efficiency in the body. A physician with a proper understanding of CBD helps determine if you should try CBD for anxiety and in what dosage.
Final Thoughts
CBD may alleviate anxiety, but more research is needed. Ensure you buy the best CBD oil for anxiety to safeguard your health. The same applies to gummies and capsules. Follow the dosage guidelines and if you are on medication or have a health condition, speak to your doctor before using CBD for anxiety.
