CBD has been around since the 1940’s but more recently is becoming a modern way to help with anxiety and other mental health struggles. What a lot of people are wondering is does it really work? They have CBD Anxiety. Won’t that get me high? Can it help with my depression or anxiety? What even is that stuff?
CBD is an extracted compound from marijuana plants. Out of the 85+ compounds in marijuana, Cannabidiol is the main component. CBD itself virtually contains no THC and if it does it’s less than .3%, so it won’t give you a euphoric high and it won’t make you paranoid but it does have plenty of healing benefits.
In 2015 a report from an author for the Neurotherapeutics found that yes, there is promise found in CBD. When tested it was found to work well for things like post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety and even obsessive compulsive disorder.
There was a survey conducted in 2011 in which nearly 62% of participants actually said that they use CBD for it’s healing properties for things such as pain, depression and anxiety.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse even found that taking CBD was shown to help reduce stress and generalized anxiety disorder found in animals. In the same year, there was a human test done where they found that after taking 400mg of CBD orally versus a placebo, the patients who took the CBD had reduced anxiety. CBD is the 21st centuries most popular natural go-to for anxiety relief.
Anxiety disorders are the number one concern when it comes to mental health concerns. It is estimated that 25% of teenagers and 30% of adults struggle with anxiety. So if you do, you’re definitely not alone.
When you already have anxiety trying to find what helps alleviate that can be a daunting task and can even add more worry into your life. CBD oil is a natural alternative for easing anxiety and can help with so much more like physical body pain, sleep disorders and depression.
There are so many articles and so much constant research being done to learn about CBD. Studies have shown that CBD affects the two parts of the brain associated with anxiety in turn increases the activation of the prefrontal cortex and lowers the activity happening in the amygdala.
There has also been evidence that CBD works with the hippocampus to produce new, stronger neurons.
CBD is a inhibitor of FAAH which is an enzyme in the body which breaks down anandamide. Anandamide actually promotes anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects in the body. So when you take CBD in whatever form you prefer, it’s literally telling your body to release anti-anxiety effects into your body. How cool is that?
When taken in high dosed CBD activates what is called the 5-ht1a receptors. These receptors help your body regulate things like sleep, pain perception, addiction and yes, anxiety. So you might be thinking that this sounds like something you’d like to use to help alleviate life’s’ worries and the anxieties you may harbor.
CBD OIL For Anxiety: Does it Work?
CBD oils are oils that contains high concentrations of CBD. Depending on what you prefer and the severity of what you’re using it for, the concentration levels will vary. After ingesting CBD oil, which is generally taken by placing the drops under the tongue and letting it be absorbed, you may notice it start to work in as little as 20 minutes if taken on an empty stomach. See, when you take the oil, it triggers the brain receptor called CB1. This is why CBD oil for anxiety is a great remedy to try.
The CB1 receptor is thought to help your body respond to the CBD by creating and heightening your serotonin levels. If you don’t know serotonin is basically your bodies “happy” chemical.
When you have low serotonin levels that is when you can see depression and anxiety rise. So by the CBD oil helping the CB1 receptor kick into gear and up those serotonin levels, you in turn should feel happier and less anxious after consuming CBD oil.
If taking the whole dose at once is intimidating, split the doses up throughout the day if needed. You can also start with a smaller dose and increase that with time.
One of the great things about CBD is the amount of different forms it’s available in. You can find anything from tinctures, pills, joints, gummies and even topical lotions and rubs. Since it’s one of the most used treatments in western culture you can find CBD oil in most forms in local dispensary and online. Check your state law and regulations in regards to CBD oil. It is highly advised to check online or within your state to see if taking CBD is legal, before purchasing products.
Taking it in oil form is the most popular way to consume CBD for most first timers. Most companies have different flavors added to the oil for a more pleasant experience for the user, vanilla and peppermint being the most commonly used.
Some CBD oils that are known for helping anxiety in no particular order are: Green Roads World, Pure Kana, CBD Pure, CBD Essence and Elixinol. It is highly suggested across the board to do plenty of research on the brand and dosage before making a decision on one particular brand.
Most people with anxiety reading this could be wondering if there are any side effects and if so, what they are. CBD is generally considered safe but please note that some people have reported side effects such as fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, sleeping difficulties and mood changes. CBD is often used as safe, natural alternative to prescription drugs and you will see your symptoms decrease overtime, along with your anxiety.
The studies over the past several years have shown that CBD helps alleviate generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression and many other mental health struggles.