CBD oil has become increasingly popular in recent years as a potential treatment option for anxiety. Anxiety is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause feelings of fear, worry, and restlessness, leading to difficulty concentrating and sleeping. While there are several medications available to help manage anxiety, many people are turning to natural remedies such as CBD oil to help them cope. 


In this article, we’ll discuss the potential benefits of using CBD oil for anxiety. We’ll also cover what CBD is, how it works, and how to use it safely for anxiety. 


By understanding the science behind CBD and its potential applications for anxiety, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.



How CBD Works

CBD works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that regulate a variety of bodily functions, including mood, appetite, pain, inflammation, and sleep. 


The body produces two receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors, which are located throughout the body but specifically in the central nervous system and immune system. THC attaches to CB1 receptors, but CBD stimulates the receptors so that the body produces its own cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids.



What Is CBD?

CBD is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. It is one of over 100 compounds found in the plant, known as cannabinoids. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not cause a high.


CBD has been studied for its potential to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and more. While research is still ongoing, many people have found relief from their symptoms by using CBD.


CBD is available in many forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. It is important to note that CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, so it’s important to do your research and purchase products from reputable sources.

How Can CBD Oil Help With Anxiety?

CBD helps by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating mood, pain, sleep, and appetite.


The endocannabinoid system has two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors, which are located throughout the body but specifically in the central nervous system and immune system. The body produces endocannabinoids, which are neurotransmitters that bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. 


CBD is thought to interact with the brain’s serotonin receptors, which are involved in regulating mood and emotion. By interacting with these receptors, CBD can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. CBD is known to be effective in managing anxiety symptoms. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce the symptoms of PTSD.


According to a study review published in the Journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics in September 2015, "preclinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders," including PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder), generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.


Is CBD Oil Safe?

Yes. CBD oil is generally considered safe and has been found to have few to no side effects. 


CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, the compound found in marijuana that causes a high, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This means that it is non-intoxicating and won’t make you feel “high” or impair your ability to think and function. 


CBD is considered safe for most people, but if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have any pre-existing medical conditions, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking CBD oil. 



What Are The Benefits Of CBD? 

Research on CBD is increasing. Here are some health benefits of CBD oil that research has shown:



Possible Pain Relief


Studies have shown that CBD may be useful in relieving symptoms of arthritis or joint pain. According to one medical study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 36% of respondents who took CBD to treat medical conditions (including arthritis and/or joint pain) found it to be effective.



Anxiety and Depression


Researchers studied the impact of CBD oil at various dosages on 397 people in 2020 who had a variety of ailments. Participants with non-cancer pain or mental health-related symptoms experienced significant improvement in anxiety and depression, as well as in their abilities to complete their daily activities. The use of CBD oil revealed notable pain relief in these groups as well.



Seizures


In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of CBD under the brand name Epidiolex to treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two rare forms of epilepsy in patients two years of age and older.



Insomnia


A 2019 research examined if CBD might alleviate anxiety and/or enhance sleep. In the research, there were 72 participants, of whom 47 had anxiety and 25 had difficulty sleeping. Each day, the participants received 25 mg of CBD in the form of capsules. 79.2 percent of the patients reported less anxiety and 66.7 percent said they slept better in the first month.



How To Use CBD For Anxiety

When it comes to using CBD for anxiety, there are a few different ways to go about it.


  • One of the most popular methods is to take CBD oil orally. CBD oil is available in a variety of forms, such as capsules, tinctures, and edibles.

  • Vaping CBD is a great way to get the effects of CBD quickly and conveniently. 

CBD can also be taken in the form of edibles, such as gummies or chocolate.



Dosage

It is best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you find the dosage that works best for you. The general rule of thumb is to start with a dose of around 10-20mg per day and increase it gradually until the desired effect is achieved. 


However, it is important to remember that everyone's body is different, and the dosage may need to be adjusted accordingly. 



What Time Of Day Should You Take Cbd Oil?

When it comes to taking CBD oil for anxiety, the timing of when you take it can be just as important as the dosage. Taking CBD oil at the right time of day can help to maximize its effects and ensure your body is reaping the most benefit from it. 


For instance, when taken in the morning, CBD oil can help to improve focus and alertness, while taking it in the evening can help to promote relaxation and restful sleep. 


It’s important to note that CBD oil is not a quick-acting medicine, and its effects may take a few hours to be felt. Generally speaking, it’s best to take CBD oil about an hour before you need to feel its effects. This allows your body to absorb the cannabinoids and begin to feel the full effects.


If you’re using CBD oil for anxiety, it’s best to take it in the morning or afternoon. This will help to reduce stress and improve your focus throughout the day. 



How To Choose The Best Cbd Oil For Anxiety?

Look out for these factors when choosing CBD oil for anxiety:


CBD Oil Types



  • Full-spectrum CBD oil contains a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the hemp plant. THC (less than 0.3%)
  • Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes but does not contain any THC.
  • Isolate CBD oil, on the other hand, contains only CBD, without any other cannabinoids or terpenes. 


Serving size: It's crucial to choose products whose manufacturers give instructions on dose and administration.


Third-party labs: Look for products that are third-party tested and certified organic, as this can ensure that the product is free from contaminants and safe to use. 


Ingredients: Choose products containing safe and high-quality, clearly labeled ingredients.


Available Certificate of Analysis: Consider companies that demonstrate transparency and provide a product's certificate of analysis (COA) after confirmation of its third-party lab results.



What Is The Best CBD Dosage For Anxiety?

The amount of CBD that works best for you will depend on your individual body chemistry, your symptoms, and the severity of your anxiety. According to experts, you should slowly start and build up depending on how your body reacts.


The best way to determine your ideal CBD dosage is to start with a low dose (10-20 mg) and increase it slowly over time. If you don't experience any effects after a few days, you can increase your dose by 5-10 mg until you find the optimal dose. 


However, it's important to remember that higher doses of CBD can increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it's important to speak to your doctor before increasing your dosage. 

Medicine Dosage

What Does It Feel Like To Take CBD For Anxiety?

When it comes to taking CBD for anxiety, it can be difficult to know what to expect. Many people report feeling a sense of calm and relaxation after taking CBD, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique and may vary. 


The first thing you should have in mind is that CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This means that it is non-intoxicating and won’t make you feel “high” or impair your ability to think and function.


For some people, taking CBD for anxiety can feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. They may feel a sense of ease and relief as if their worries have been taken away. Others may feel a sense of clarity and focus, allowing them to think more clearly and make better decisions. 



Can You Get ‘High’ From CBD Oil?

No. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant and is therefore not capable of producing a “high” feeling. This is because it does not contain THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana that is responsible for the “high” feeling.



How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Work For Anxiety?

CBD oil can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to take effect, depending on the individual and the method of consumption. When taken sublingually (under the tongue), or through vaping, CBD oil typically takes effect within 15-30 minutes. When taken orally (in a capsule or edible form), it can take up to two hours for the effects to be felt. 



Is It Possible To Take Too Much CBD?

Yes. Research suggests that daily dosages of up to 1,500 mg have been tolerated satisfactorily, however, each person is unique. Unpleasant side effects, including dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, drowsiness, lightheadedness, and overall disorientation, can result from consuming too much CBD. Damage to the liver is possible but uncommon.


It’s always best to start slow, with a low dose, and then taper up after some time. 



Final Thoughts

There you go! Anxiety can be effectively managed with the use of CBD oil. It has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. 


When choosing CBD oil for anxiety, it is important to consider the concentration, quality, and source of the product. It is also important to find the right dose for you, as everyone is different. With the right dosage and product, CBD oil can be an effective and safe way to manage anxiety. 


Are you looking to step out in high spirits after a stressful day? Or maybe you want to start your day feeling confident. Good news! We have the perfect CBD oil for you. Meet CALM, our CBD oil tincture that gets you back to a balanced state. 



Sources:

  1. Zou, S., & Kumar, U. (2018). Cannabinoid receptors and the endocannabinoid system: Signaling and function in the central nervous system. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(3), 833. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030833
  2. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1  
  3. Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. A. (2018). A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0006 
  4. Gulbransen, G., Xu, W., & Arroll, B. (2020). Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: An audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand. BJGP Open, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen20x101010 
  5. FDA (2018). FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-comprised-active-ingredient-derived-marijuana-treat-rare-severe-forms 
  6. Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041 

Machado Bergamaschi, M., Helena Costa Queiroz, R., Waldo Zuardi, A., & Alexandre S. Crippa, J. (2011). Safety and side effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Current Drug Safety, 6(4), 237–249. https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924

February 21, 2023 — Griffin Lynch

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