Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has become quite popular in recent years. The cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis plants has been touted to provide people with a much better and organic alternative to over-the-counter and prescription medicines for a wide range of ailments, ranging from chronic pain to anxiety and depression.
CBD is found in various forms and manufacturers have no shortage of creative ways to help you integrate it into different foods and drinks. CBD oil is a purified extract of the compound derived from hemp plants that are grown to minimize the concentration of other cannabinoids and provide a substantial concentration of CBD.
Have you been suffering from anxiety and are considering using CBD oil to treat your anxiety? Deciding to seek an alternative treatment for your anxiety can be a big decision and we would recommend doing your homework before you decide to make the switch.
If you are on the fence about using CBD oil for anxiety, you have come to the right place. This post will serve as a guide to help you. The post will tell you everything you should know to make a well-informed decision about using CBD oil for anxiety.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid, a natural chemical compound from one of the many found in cannabis sativa plants – primarily hemp. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is another well-known compound found in the marijuana plant (a close cousin of the hemp plant).
THC is the active compound that is responsible for the euphoric “high” that people associate with the cannabis plant. However, not all cannabinoids found in cannabis plant have psychoactive effects.
CBD oil is primarily extracted from the hemp plant due to the plant’s natural disposition for higher CBD concentrations and low THC concentrations.
The human body has several receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system. CBD is considered to interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body. These receptors are found primarily in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
While the exact nature of how CBD affects the receptors is not fully understood, it is believed that the compound has the ability to alter serotonin signals. Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with people who are suffering from anxiety and depression.
Most people manage anxiety and depression through medication that encourages greater serotonin production. People suffering from anxiety may be able to manage their condition by taking CBD instead of those prescription drugs. However, it is ideal to talk to your physician before you take any decision to change your medication.
Can CBD Help With Anxiety?
The scientific community is abuzz and conducting several studies to determine exactly how CBD interacts with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system to impact serotonin levels in the brain. Since serotonin plays a major role in your mood, sleep, behavior, and digestion, scientists believe that increasing serotonin levels can treat anxiety.
Considering the fact that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid to encourage greater serotonin production, it may help to treat anxiety.
In the same manner, CBD may be able to help you with your condition if you are suffering from depression by altering serotonin levels.
Is There Any Research on CBD’s Effectiveness Against Anxiety?
While there is still plenty of ongoing research on the effectiveness of CBD in treating anxiety, there are published studies that have provided preliminary results that favor its effectiveness.
A study conducted in 2011 found that the subjects with a social anxiety disorder who consumed CBD felt reduced anxiety levels and were more comfortable during public speaking.
A review of 49 different studies done in 2015 found evidence suggesting that CBD has the potential to help with general anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and OCD.
A more recent study conducted in 2019 observed subjects who were struggling with anxiety and sleep. The study found that almost 80% of the subjects felt a significant reduction in their anxiety and almost 70% of them found it much easier to sleep.
While the studies so far show generally positive results, you should take them with a pinch of salt. Most of these studies have observed small sample sizes and they have not yet studied the long-term effects of taking CBD for anxiety. It will require more extensive studies to determine whether CBD can be effective as a long-term solution for anxiety.
Does CBD Have Side Effects?
One of the reasons CBD is becoming so popular among people to treat anxiety is that it comes with little to no side effects. However, some people have reported experiencing symptoms like drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, insomnia, and a decreased appetite.
There is plenty of research needed to be done to determine the reality of how many side effects it has. Like with any substance, it is also possible that CBD can interact with other medications like calcium channel blockers, opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines.
The possibility of interactions with other medications is one of the biggest reasons you should consult with a physician before you consider taking CBD oil for anxiety. They can provide you with more accurate information on whether any of your current medications can have an adverse interaction with CBD.
Will CBD Make Me High?
If you are consuming pure CBD oil, you will never have to worry about getting high. CBD and THC interact with the same endocannabinoid receptors in your body. However, THC is considered to have a psychoactive effect when it interacts with the receptors, causing changes in perception and how you think.
CBD has not been found to have an addictive effect or cause any psychoactive effects. If you are considering taking CBD oil for anxiety, it is crucial to ensure that you are buying a high-quality product made using hemp that does not contain high THC levels.
CBD extracted from hemp plants with less than 0.3% THC is considered legal, but CBD extracted from cannabis plants is illegal because it will likely contain higher THC levels.
Final Thoughts
Making sure that you get the best possible CBD product is crucial to help you reap its potential benefits for your anxiety. CBD is widely considered to be a far better alternative to various over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs when it comes to providing relief from different ailments.
Though there is much to be learned about the efficacy of CBD products, research from several recent studies suggests that CBD oil might be a safe and powerful solution for many health and neurological issues.
With its ability to ease many common issues, you might be considering integrating CBD oil into your regimen. You can administer high-quality CBD oil in various methods, based on your preference. However, it is crucial to make sure that you purchase it from trustworthy CBD oil manufacturers that can guarantee you a high-quality product that is completely legal and safe.
Reeds Remedies is a manufacturer that upholds the highest quality standards when producing its CBD products. Unlike most brands, it never markets its products as a cure-all for various ailments. However, their attention to detail and the sheer quality of their products leave nothing to doubt regarding the benefits you can reap from their CBD oil and other products.
Before jumping at the opportunity and incorporating CBD products into your health regimen, we highly recommend consulting with a physician. A qualified medical professional can ensure that you take the right doses of CBD products for the best results.
