CBD for Anxiety

CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol. It is one of the numerous cannabinoids that are derived from the cannabis Sativa plant. According to a 2017 report published by the World Health Organization, preliminary research suggests that the substance can be useful for several medical conditions. There has been mounting evidence pointing towards the use of CBD for anxiety treatment. In contrast to the other cannabinoids found in the cannabis Sativa plant, CBD is not psychoactive. It has a different pharmacologic profile relative to the other compounds.

Overview of CBD for Treating Anxiety

The substance cannabidiol has more than 65 targets throughout the human body. As a result, it is not easy to pinpoint the exact sources of its various therapeutic properties. However, research suggests that CBD combats anxiety by stimulating neurotransmitter systems and neural regeneration. The several mechanisms by which CBD is used to treat anxiety are described below.

Serotonin

The human body is known to have numerous receptors. These are protein-based chemical structures attached to the cells, and they receive signals from different stimuli. Research suggests that cannabidiol interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These two are mostly found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, respectively. CBD interacts with these receptors in such a way that it affects the serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter commonly associated with happiness and plays a paramount importance in one’s overall mental health wellbeing. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression. It has also been found not having enough serotonin results in anxiety. Traditionally, the conventional treatment for low serotonin levels has been a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine or sertraline. However, some individuals with the condition can be able to manage it with the use of CBD.

Endocannabinoids

The human body is known to produce cannabinoids. These are used throughout the body and brain via the endocannabinoid system. It is critical to highlight that this system can become dysregulated due to chronic stress. However, CBD can restore balance in the endocannabinoid system. It achieves it by eliminating the overstimulation of the CB1 receptors and promoting the body’s production of endocannabinoids. Research on rodents has shown that CBD relieves anxious behaviors by acting on the endocannabinoid system.

Neural Regeneration

Chronic anxiety is capable of damaging neurons and even shrinks brains. However, certain areas of the brain can still be regenerated. CBD helps the process of regenerating the parts of the brain damaged by chronic anxiety. Its ability to reduce anxiety comes from its power to fast-track the growth of new neurons.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil describes cannabidiol blended with an inert carrier oil such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. In recent times, the product has gradually found its way into a myriad of mainstream products such as tinctures, balms, drops, edibles, and a wide range of other cosmetics as well. There has been some controversy associated with the usage of cannabis-based products like CBD oil. It is attributed to the recreational use of marijuana. However, despite this, there has been growing awareness regarding the use of CBD for anxiety and depression treatments. Not only has CBD oil been found useful in combatting anxiety in humans, but it has also been proved effective in pets.

How to Use CBD Oil to Treat Anxiety

Suppose you intend to use CBD for anxiety management in its oil form. In that case, you must be well-informed on the various ingestion methods. An understanding of the pros and cons will enable you to determine the technique that suits you best.

Tinctures

These are some of the most common methods of administering CBD oil. CBD oil is useful for people trying to use CBD for anxiety management. Tinctures are manufactured by infusing cannabis flowers or isolates into high-proof grain alcohol. The mixture is subjected to low heat for a significant amount of time. It enables the active ingredients of cannabis to blend well into the neutral spirit, much of which boils off. Carrier oil such as orange oil and other complementary ingredients are added to enhance the tincture’s palatability. The result will be a potent liquid that is capable of delivering the effects of the cannabinoid.

CBD drops for anxiety taken in the form of tinctures should be in small dosages since they come in high concentrations. It is achieved through the use of a dropper as it allows users to take small measured quantities. Tinctures are taken sublingually or via underneath the tongue. Scientific investigations have revealed that tinctures are one of the best CBD oil for anxiety intake methods. It makes cannabidiol more easily consistently available to the body system relative to other oral alternatives.

Advantages

• Easy to control your doses.
• Rapid results.
• Relatively easy to use and require no extra accessories or tools.
• Used in public places without attracting undue attention

Drawbacks

• Prone to abuse due to its quick-acting nature.

CBD Vape Oils

It refers to a form of CBD oil blended with a carrier liquid. This liquid would have been processed for use via a special pen that vaporizes it to produce a vapor that the user inhales. Vape pen oils are an effective way of consuming CBD oil for anxiety treatment. Still, the idea of inhalation is not ideal for every person. It is also paramount to highlight that vape pens sold in legal state-licensed cannabis shops are heavily regulated while those from other sources are not. As a result, it is recommended that one proceeds with caution when considering the CBD vape oils in an unregulated environment.

Advantages

• High concentrations ensure maximum possible effects.
• Rapid results due to quick entry into the bloodstream.
• No lung irritation due to smoke

Disadvantages

• Controlling dosing can be a challenge.
• Minimum information on long term effects
• Extra accessories required

Other Ways of CBD to Use for Treating Anxiety

There are other ways that cannabidiol is used to manage anxiety besides CBD oil. The use of these is mainly dependent upon personal preferences. Some of the best ways of intaking CBD for anxiety and depression are discussed below.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are another way to ingest cannabidiol. Several pharmacies and retail shops dotted around the country can purchase the best CBD gummies for anxiety. Via this method, CBD gets into the bloodstream through the digestive system. The main advantages of CBD gummies lie in their ease of accessibility. Still, they may take a more extended period before they cause an effect since they utilize the digestive system.

CBD Capsules

People who intend to take CBD for anxiety and depression can also do so via capsules. Like edibles, capsules are subject to further breakdown in the digestive tract via the first-pass effect. Like gummies, CBD capsules are subject to further breakdown in the digestive system via the first-pass effect. The main advantage of CBD capsules is that they provide more consistent CBD dosing for anxiety than other techniques, as each dose is carefully premeasured. Furthermore, the CBD content is more precise on the package, usually not the case with other forms. However, capsules’ dependence on the digestive system for circulation decreases their potency.

Are CBD Products Safe to Use?

There are adequate regulations by relevant authorities to ensure that CBD products are safe to use. These are products manufactured in line with federal or state guidelines. It is paramount that individuals conduct due diligence when looking for CBD products to buy. It includes checking product labels and manufacturer’s websites to verify authenticity. CBD products that are safe to use have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that displays the independent lab tests’ results that establish crucial parameters in the product. It is critical to verify that the batch number on the certificate of analysis corresponds to the product’s packaging number. Also, the tests should have been conducted by a laboratory that satisfies the requirements of ISO 17025.

It is crucial to highlight that numerous unapproved CBD products have flooded. The safety of these is unascertained. It is why it is critical to conduct due diligence before purchasing a CBD product.

Is CBD Legal?

To be blunt, the legal status of CBD currently lies in the gray zone. Under federal regulations, the product is legal but under specific and tight conditions. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, better known as the Farm bill, legalized cannabidiol derived from hemp because it does not exceed 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry mass. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that is primarily responsible for the ‘high’ feeling.

On the other hand, most states are currently amending their laws to resonate with federal regulations. The best way to establish the CBD legal status in your jurisdiction is to familiarize yourself with the local laws.

Final Thoughts

Cannabidiol has numerous health benefits, but its use for anxiety elimination is broad and heavily regulated. Therefore, one must be well-versed with the medical and legal implications of using the product before doing so.