CBD for Anxiety: How Can It Help? 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It can be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants. Along with CBD, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is found in the cannabis plant as well. The latter has psychoactive effects. Therefore it makes you feel “high.” On the contrary, CBD, due to its health benefits, is used in various industries; food, cosmetics, and most importantly, health.

Research about CBD is still ongoing, but there is some evidence about CBD’s potential benefits on human health, especially when it comes to anxiety. 

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling or emotion that derives mostly from stress. It’s like a fear feeling we have about something bad happening soon. Anxiety can be mild and severe. It is a common condition, and everyone can go through it at some point in life, for example, before a job interview, attending a major event, etc. Besides negative emotions, anxiety could help people avoid dangerous situations.

Anxiety differs from fear because fear is the feeling one has against a known threat. Of course, feeling anxious about a future event is normal and could happen to everyone, but if this feeling continues to last for more than six months, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders range from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Specific Phobia, etc.

What is CBD oil? 

CBD oil is one of the most popular new products around the world at the moment. Cannabidiol is a chemical substance extracted from the cannabis plant, with its oil being used as an amazing natural remedy to a lot of health problems nowadays. Although there are still ongoing studies to determine the exact effects of CBD, the compound has already been estimated as helpful with a range of issues, from lighter to chronic pain, anxiety, depression, skin conditions, etc. It has also been approved as a remedy for two forms of childhood epilepsy.

How does CBD oil help with anxiety? 

According to a study carried by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), 1 in 13 people is affected by anxiety, making it a very common problem. People are trying to find a more natural remedy rather than prescribed drugs or treatment. Therefore, they are turning to CBD for help. However, studies showing CBD effects in this area are still ongoing. Earlier, research has demonstrated the potential of CBD on treating various types of anxiety, including:

1. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
2. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

CBD affects the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system. The latter is a biological system in the body that regulates some significant processes like mood, temperature, sleep, metabolism, etc.

CBD has shown its effects on treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) on various studies carried out on animals. A study conducted in rats showed that CBD helped relieve stress and lower anxiety behaviors such as high blood rate. In previous research, cannabidiol has shown potential in treating other types of anxiety and mental health problems like Panic Disorder and Anxiety Sleep Disorder. In spite of this, information on the long term use of CBD for mental health treatment is still lacking.

Is CBD oil safe to use? 

Although most of the time, CBD is safe to use and is well-tolerated by the human body, there are potential side effects that can be caused by it. These effects mostly appear as a result of a higher dosage taken and could include a decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, or more. If you’re already taking prescription medications, make sure to consult your doctor before starting your use of CBD, as it is not recommended to mix them with CBD.

Another concern you should have before buying CBD containing products is the reliability of the company you’re buying from. Sometimes, CBD products in the market don’t contain CBD at all and don’t show either a positive or negative impact, but in the worst case, they can contain harmful substances. If you feel insecure after taking CBD oil anytime, make sure to reach out to your doctor.

Is it even legal?

CBD products that derive from the hemp plant and contain less than 0.3% THC are legal since December 2018, when the Farm Bill passed. Still, some states in the US have their restrictions on Cannabidiol. Hence you will need a prescription to buy CBD. Meanwhile, in most countries around the world, CBD is legal, but as it derives from an illegal plant like Cannabis, it has many restrictions, meaning not everyone can possess, sell or grow it.