CBD oil for Anxiety: Does it work?

By Contributing Author

It’s no longer a surprise that CBD has many therapeutic qualities. However, the research on its medicinal value is still in fancy. But when has that stopped people from sharing their self-medication CBD stories with the world? There have been a thousand of cases in the US where daily intake of CBD oil has miraculously helped people in dealing with anxieties of all kinds

You don’t have to abandon the traditional healing methods, such as meditation, therapy, cognitive-behavioral treatment, and antidepressants but giving CBD a try surely isn’t a bad idea.

 So, if you are someone who suffers from anxiety frequently, then perhaps, CBD oil is a good solution for you. Additionally, it comes at a low price, can be used to cook food, and is completely natural. 

Read on to learn more about how CBD oil helps in easing anxiety.  

What you should know about anxiety? 

Anxiety is a mental and emotional problem related to a person’s behavior. It is a state of temporary or constant discomfort which affects more than 260 million people across the world (as per a 2017 report by the World Health Organization). 

Under this condition, people worry excessively, sometimes, to the point where they shut out the world and live in a dark place. Anxiety is also characterized by restlessness, when a person faces uncomfortable or challenging situations, such as public speaking, presentation, asking for a raise, and dealing with criticism. If remains untreated, it can also become chronic with time.

In today’s world, anxiety has become a common problem. Work stress, low immune system, and bad lifestyle are a few reasons why anxiety crops up. With therapy and medication, there are ways to put a person at ease and help him or her heal their anxiety. It often costs a fortune to work with a therapist and put oneself on medicines. This is where CBD must be introduced. It is organic, inexpensive and now available legally!

What is CBD oil?

CBD oil is known for helping people suffering from anxiety and related issues, such as traumas, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and agoraphobia. So, yes, there have been a lot of evidence that proves CBD-infused products indeed have helped many people suffering from this problem. 

CBD is one of the many compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Yes, it is born from the same plant that gives birth to marijuana. No, it does not get you high. 

The reason behind its non-intoxicating quality is that CBD contains 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the ‘high’ in people. Since there is almost nil amount of THC present in CBD, it helps people in calming themselves and yet doesn’t create any mind-altering effects!

Perhaps this is the reason why the Farm Bill, 2018 has legalized CBD in all 50 states across the US. Additionally, its medicinal qualities and edible characteristics have turned CBD into the shining star of health and wellness industry. 

CBD oil and Anxiety 

Now that you are familiar with both CBD and anxiety, it’s time to draw the connection between these two.  One cannot put a finger on how CBD came into the business of helping people with anxiety, but it has surely proved successful in its job. 

According to a 2010 study, CBD oil helped in reduction of social anxiety in a handful of people.  There were significant changes seen in the blood flow of those brain regions, where anxiety was previously high. 

A research published in 2014 concluded that CBD has anti-anxiety qualities and anti-depressant results, when tested on animals. 

As per a 2015 study on CBD, it was contended that CBD oil and related products are in fact, a natural solution to many forms of anxiety, such as PTSD, OCD, social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder. 

And finally, a 2016 report revealed that a definite intake of CBD reduced PTSD symptoms in a child and improved the anxiety-induced sleeping problems as well. 

How does CBD oil help in reducing anxiety?

The human body comprises of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are made of protein-based chemical structures and found in the cells of the body. CB1 receptors are found mostly in the central nervous system, whereas CB2 receptors are located in the peripheral nervous system.  

After it enters our body, CBD interacts with these receptors via our endocannabinoid system, also known as ECS, to achieve homeostasis (a state of balance). How CBD affects the brain is not completely understood yet, but it is known to balance the serotonin level, which automatically helps in improving anxiety and other emotional and mental issues.  Since low-level of serotonin causes anxiety and depression, CBD clearly helps in reducing anxiety. 

Are there any side effects of CBD oil?

CBD is a natural compound. Thus, it is highly unlikely that it creates any side effects, in any form. In fact, people use it for cooking purposes as well. Even so, there might be a possibility where sensitive people might suffer with the following side effects-

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue 
• Nausea
• Change in appetite
• Change in weight 
• Change in sleep (for a few days)

As mentioned before, there are usually no side effects caused by CBD oil or any related products. In case you notice the above symptoms after taking CBD oil, chances are, they will go away in a few days. If they persist after a few days, it is recommended to lower your dosage and consult a doctor. 

What is the ideal dose of CBD oil?

The ideal dose of CBD oil to treat anxiety is 300 mg or more. However, one must consult his or her doctor to decide the suitable dosage. As per a 2018 study, it was contended that a dose of 300 mg was given to male subjects, 90 minutes before they underwent a simulated public-speaking event. The results were quite extraordinary. The subjects had their anxiety reduced at the time of the event. 

The research on the appropriate dosage of CBD oil for anxiety is still in-progress. So, the best way to determine the most suitable CBD dosage for you is to consult your doctor and start with small doses. Once you start getting comfortable, start increasing it and stop when you start feeling good about yourself. 

Is CBD oil addictive? 

The answer is no, it is not addictive. Unlike weed and marijuana, CBD is non-psychoactive in nature. It does not intoxicate you because it doesn’t have THC, which alone is responsible for getting you high. So, no, you won’t get stoned after consuming CBD oil. 

Conclusion

The bottom line is that CBD oil can help in the treatment of anxiety and other mood-related disorders. In fact, there are several stories of regular people who have availed the therapeutic use of CBD. It has no side effects, it is organic and it is quite cheap as compared to medicines and therapy. Even so, it is advisable to connect with your doctor and discuss about taking CBD oil to heal your anxiety and other disorders.