The number of people suffering from anxiety has significantly increased over the past few years. Almost 3.1% of the US population suffers from a generalized anxiety disorder. Yet out of this percentage, only 43.2 % are currently receiving treatment. In most cases, anxiety has been found to occur alongside depression. Currently, there is no specific cure for anxiety and no available prescription medications. However, alternative sources of medicine such as CBD have proven to be effective in treating anxiety. This article offers a review of CBD for anxiety, how it might help, how to use it, and the potential side effects.
CBD and Anxiety: What Research Says
According to research studies, cannabidiol (CBD) can help effectively treat anxiety. There are many anxiety causes including genetics, brain chemistry, drug misuse/withdrawal, underlying medical conditions, and environmental stress. CBD’s anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective alternative treatment. A 2015 review found that CBD usually interacts with serotonin and other brain receptors which can help regulate fear/worry and other anxiety-induced behaviors.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabis chemical compound. It’s found in high quantities in hemp plants. The organic compound is known for its significant wellness benefits. It tends to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system to promote wellness. CBD’s safety profile as well as affordability have made it popular among those seeking alternative medicine. It’s potent and can help regulate various receptors that usually trigger anxiety symptoms.
How CBD Might Help with Anxiety
There are several types of anxiety disorders, and each has its own triggers as well as symptoms. However, CBD has proved to be effective in helping many of these anxiety disorders. You can use CBD to treat:
- Generalized Anxiety
Preclinical evidence suggests that CBD can ease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The organic cannabis compound can reduce restlessness, and irritability, and help users to control their constant feeling of worry.
- Anxiety and Depression
CBD has potent anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties. As a result, it can help treat the underlying factors that usually lead to anxiety and depression. It has great psychiatric potential and normally produces anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects in the body.
- PTSD and Phobia Therapy
PTSD is a mental health condition that’s usually triggered by a seriously terrifying event that causes nightmares, severe anxiety, and flashbacks. Phobia is usually a mental cue response to fear. Using CBD can help patients to dissociate with certain cues to phobia, worry or fear response. A 2019 study also found that PTSD patients who took CBD capsules while undergoing traditional counseling therapy saw a significant reduction in their overall symptoms.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety
There are several ways to use CBD for anxiety. Each method has its onset and longevity of the effects on the body. This usually depends on the CBD’s bioavailability i.e., the rate at which the CBD compound gets absorbed into the bloodstream. The four main methods of how to use CBD for anxiety include:
- Oils/Tinctures
CBD oils/tinctures are the most popular and readily available forms. They are for sublingual applications. These products usually come in bottles with droppers. You need to use the dropper to apply the recommended number of oil drops under the tongue. Leave it for around 60 seconds before spitting. CBD compound will find its way into the bloodstream from the blood veins found under the tongue.
- Gummies
They are usually gummy bears that are infused with CBD oil. Gummies are usually sweet edible treats that come in various delicious fruity flavors. Additionally, they are also available in pre-dosed servings, and this usually helps to eliminate the dosage guesswork. For best results, ensure that you pick the best CBD gummies for anxiety. They are more likely to be effective, sweet, and with minimal digestive discomfort.
- Capsules
These are pill-like products made for oral intake. CBD capsules feature vegetarian or vegetarian substitute gelatin that’s filled with a specific amount of CBD content. CBD gummies are flavorless and odorless. They also eliminate the need for guesswork when it comes to servings.
- Vapes
These are oil vape products found in cartridges. Once the vape oil is heated, the consumer needs to inhale the vapor. The use of the battery-operated device is meant to mimic smoking. So, CBD oil vapor will reach the bloodstream through the lungs’ linings. Vapes, just like tinctures, usually provide quick effects.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work for Anxiety
How long the effects of CBD for anxiety take to kickstart depends on factors such as the mode of intake. It would take a few minutes for the effects of tinctures and vape oil to kickstart. On the other hand, it might take a couple of hours before you can finally experience the effects of CBD gummies.
The best CBD oil for anxiety products usually takes 15-30 minutes to work. However, if you consume a gummy or capsule, it might take 30 minutes to 2 hours. The dosage will also determine how soon you experience these effects. If you take larger doses of CBD, then you will experience the effects quickly. To some people, tolerance usually determines the onset of the effects.
CBD Dosage for Anxiety
When it comes to CBD and anxiety, finding dosage is one of the trickiest things that users have to deal with. There is no general consensus on the amount you should take. This is because factors such as weight, age, metabolism, genetics, and the severity of your anxiety are influential on the dosage. That’s why different people tend to react differently to the same CBD dosage for anxiety.
Some trials suggest that you should take 25-75 mg of CBD daily for generalized anxiety or sleep issues. The amount then shifts to 33-49 mg daily for PTSD. A clinical trial involving high doses of CBD found that users can take up to 600 mg of CBD in patients with SAD. The goal should be to start with a lower dosage i.e., around 2.5 mg per kilogram of your weight twice daily. You can alter the amount by increasing or decreasing depending on the effects you desire.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is a safe substance that’s well-tolerated. Research studies also indicate that using CBD can only result in a few adverse effects in case there are any at all. However, it’s important to understand that factors such as chemical response, metabolism, dosage, and drug interactions could potentially lead to certain risks and side effects. Therefore, using CBD can result in:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Change in weight
- Reduced appetite
- Change in sleep patterns
Understand that the FDA doesn’t regulate the use of CBD for anxiety and other mental health issues. CBD can also interact with certain medications and supplements including those for treating anxiety, stress, and depression. Users should therefore exercise caution when using CBD products. To avoid drug interactions, do not use CBD while taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
CBD for Dog Anxiety
CBD dog treats can be effective in promoting relaxation. The organic cannabinoid can help anxious dogs in different scenarios. This includes helping them settle into new environments or routines, either situationally or in the long term. Besides that, you can use CBD for dogs to manage stress factors such as fireworks, thunder, and other natural disasters. Dogs that have abandonment issues or fear of being left alone can also benefit from CBD.
Final Thoughts
Research studies and consumer reviews indicate that CBD can help treat anxiety. This includes managing symptoms of PTSD, phobia, depression, and generalized anxiety. It works to reduce the feeling of constant fear, worry, panic attacks, and restlessness. You can use CBD for anxiety in the form of tinctures, gummies, vapes, and capsules. Note that CBD gummies for anxiety are very popular since they come in a wide range of sweet flavors and pre-dosed servings. besides that, they offer ease of use and discreetness. If you want to attain quick effects, then you should consider using CBD vapes or tinctures. The goal is to ensure that you start with a low dosage and then increase the amount gradually. This way, you will safely find what’s suitable for you and avoid harsh side effects.
