CBD as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
For a long time now, cannabidiol (or CBD) has been known to possess therapeutic properties in humans. It is one of the active ingredients found in the cannabis plant, which can be used both medicinally and recreationally.
It’s important to note that marijuana-derived CBD contains high amounts of THC – the intoxicating substance associated with the "high." On the contrary, hemp-based CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be federally legal, making them a great alternative for those seeking the medicinal benefits of numerous cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
In addition, numerous studies show CBD's potential to help with a wide range of chronic conditions – including mental health disorders. Since anxiety is often one of the most common, those suffering from it can find relief in CBD-based products, such as tinctures and edibles.
How Can CBD Help With Anxiety Disorders?
You can find numerous resources and comprehensive guides online to learn everything you need to know about CBD and get a better overall understanding of the substance. In this article, let's focus on how it can help with anxiety disorders.
Anxiety affects the body's fight-or-flight response, which triggers our nervous system to prepare us for an upcoming threat or danger, even if there is none. Once the threat or danger has passed, our body reverts to a normal state.
However, when you suffer from an anxiety disorder, your fight-or-flight response remains triggered long after the actual event that caused it has ended – usually beyond what's necessary for self-preservation (for example, social situations).
While doctors still haven't pinpointed precisely how CBD affects those suffering from anxiety disorders, some preliminary research suggests that it may interact with the body's serotonin receptors known to affect our mood and social behavior.
That said, some scientists believe that CBD might help reduce anxiety by altering its reuptake – in other words, allowing our neurons to absorb more of the neurotransmitter, resulting in a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
What Are Some Good CBD Products for Anxiety?
Considering that the legal landscape surrounding CBD is still a bit hazy, and plenty of brands are selling subpar products, it's essential to be aware that not all cannabidiol products are created equal. The lack of FDA regulation on CBD products means it's up to you, the consumer, to research a product before purchasing.
The main factors you should look out for before buying a CBD product include the following:
CBD source. Companies producing high-quality CBD products typically use hemp sourced from organic farms in Europe or the US, so be sure to check where their hemp comes from before you purchase anything.
Extraction method. A company's extraction process is critical in ensuring the quality of a CBD product. A reputable business will use CO2 extraction to pull out cannabinoids and other compounds from raw hemp plants without damaging them or introducing any contaminants during processing.
Third-party lab testing. All good companies offering CBD products should have their entire supply chain tested by third-party laboratories. Always check if the manufacturer provides access to those lab results before finalizing your purchase.
How to Take CBD for Anxiety?
There is a wide range of CBD products available on the market today, so there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It is also essential to be aware that some methods of taking cannabidiol – such as inhalation – can result in a quick onset of effects, while others may take up to two hours before they're felt.
If you want fast relief from anxiety symptoms and don't mind the lingering effect that comes with smoking or vaping cannabis, then this might be your best bet. However, if you have asthma or other respiratory problems (or simply prefer not to smoke), there are plenty of alternative ways to take CBD products for anxiety:
Tinctures. These liquid extracts usually come with a dropper that allows users to measure how much cannabidiol they wish to consume at any given time by applying it directly under their tongue. Since CBD is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes, tinctures are one of the fastest ways to experience effects.
Capsules. This method typically takes longer for users to feel results than other methods since it must pass through our digestive system before being assimilated by our body. However, capsules offer a more accurate and consistent dose than alternative options like edibles. They're also much easier to take while out and about than oil drops.
Edibles. These CBD products usually come in the form of gummies or candy and can also take a while before users feel the effect. Edibles are less messy than tinctures and oils since you don't have to worry about dropping oil drops on your clothes – plus, they offer discreet consumption.
Topicals. Topical CBD products like salves and lotions allow for targeted relief from anxiety symptoms such as muscle tension or pain (often associated with mental health disorders). While you may notice some effects almost immediately after application, other benefits might only be observed over time as the substance is absorbed through the skin and into your bloodstream.
Supplements. While technically not a method of taking CBD for anxiety, supplements are designed to help provide extra doses of cannabidiol to improve overall wellness. They might be helpful for those who want to supplement their regular intake of CBD products with additional doses to help them cope better with anxiety symptoms.
CBD Dosage for Anxiety
The amount of cannabidiol you'll need depends on a wide range of factors, such as the severity or intensity of your anxiety disorder, how frequently it flares up, and what other medications you might be taking for it. These are in addition to other factors, such as your body weight, personal tolerance of the substance, and the CBD concentration in your chosen product.
The only way to know how much CBD you need is by trying out different doses and monitoring your response (or lack thereof) over time.
As mentioned above, there isn't any FDA regulation of CBD products, so there are no official dosage guidelines. However, numerous studies indicate that dosages between 100 and 900 mg daily can help alleviate symptoms of various conditions.
If you're new to CBD products, start with lower doses and gradually increase your daily intake if necessary. That way, you'll minimize the risk of experiencing any unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth or drowsiness.
It’s also recommended to consult your healthcare provider first, especially if you’re taking any other medications.
Final Thoughts
The legal landscape surrounding cannabidiol is still a bit hazy. However, the growing body of research on CBD's potential therapeutic benefits makes it an attractive option for those suffering from anxiety disorders who want to explore more natural treatment options.
While there isn't any FDA regulation of CBD products yet, some companies do follow strict quality control procedures to offer high-quality and effective products backed by third-party lab results – these should be provided on a manufacturer’s website.
As for now, it's up to the consumers themselves to do their research before choosing a CBD product, as well as how much cannabidiol they should take to achieve optimal results.
