Does CBD Help Anxiety? | 5 Facts to Know
If you are interested in finding ways to treat your anxiety, you have undoubtedly already considered using cannabidiol (CBD). This cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant has grown significantly in popularity over the past few years. Users claim that CBD makes them feel less anxious without the side effects that often occur when using other anti-anxiety medications. According to a 2018 survey in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, more than 60% of users take CBD to treat a medical condition such as anxiety. Several studies already show CBD’s benefits for anxiety relief.
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Take high-quality, pure CBD products
CBD can come in isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum form. An isolate is pure CBD without any other cannabinoids. A broad spectrum CBD contains CBD and some other terpenes and cannabinoids but doesn’t contain any THC. A full spectrum CBD contains CBD, terpenes and minor cannabinoids, as well as trace amounts of THC.
The best CBD products for anxiety usually contain a high concentration of CBD and are lab-tested to ensure quality and purity. Broad or full spectrum products are believed to work best due to the entourage effect. This is when components of the whole plant work better together than they do on their own.
Just CBD gummies and creams are high-quality, broad or full spectrum products that provide a convenient way to use CBD. The gummies come in a variety of delicious flavors with no hemp aftertaste. The cream goes on smoothly and absorbs with no residue.
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Effects on anxiety depend on dosage
Just like other medications or supplements, the effects of CBD on your anxiety will depend on the dosage. The use of CBD is not regulated by the FDA, so there is no specific recommended dosage for anxiety. Body weight, previous use of CBD, the type of product and severity of the symptoms will all play a role in finding the right dosage.
You usually have to experiment a little to find the right dosage, which is why it is best to start with a small dose and gradually increase it. Remember that different products take varying times to take effect, and you need to give gummies more time to take effect than if you vape CBD or smoke it because they have to go through the digestive system.
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Research is promising
Most of the research into the relationship between CBD and anxiety symptoms is still in its early stages. Various studies in the early 2000s examined the effects of CBD use on individuals with a generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD). This was confirmed by a study published in the 2019 edition of the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry. Researchers gave subjects doses of CBD prior to a public speaking challenge. An amount of 300 mg of CBD helped to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms.
In another 2019 study, researchers looked at CBD and its relationship to improvements in anxiety and sleep. Most of the patients received a dose of CBD in capsule form, and the results were very promising.
Researchers in a 2020 study tested the effects of CBD oil at various doses in nearly 400 patients with different ailments. Participants experienced great improvement in anxiety and depression and their ability to complete daily activities. On the whole, current scientific evidence about using CBD to treat anxiety is very promising.
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Not all CBD products contain what’s stated on the label
It’s important to note that CBD products may not contain what’s stated on the label. This is why it’s so important to buy CBD to treat anxiety from reputable companies. These companies use only the highest quality of hemp, use a C02 extraction process and have their products lab tested. Don’t buy CBD from a company that doesn’t offer a Certificate of Compliance for the product.
If you’re considering CBD as a natural option for treating anxiety, buying products from a trustworthy company is essential. You don’t want to find that a CBD product contains too much THC, which could cause anxiety and paranoia instead of relieving it. Untested products may also contain contaminants like heavy metals, which the hemp plant absorbs from the soil.
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CBD is generally safe to use and well tolerated
Most studies of CBD show that it is well tolerated and safe to use, even in quite high amounts. Some people experience side effects such as changes in appetite, weight, fatigue and diarrhea, but most people report minimal side effects.
It’s important to talk to a medical professional about using CBD, especially if you already use other medications. Depending on your symptoms, your treatment options could potentially include the use of CBD. CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA, so it is up to you and a healthcare professional who understands the use of CBD to decide whether it’s a safe treatment for your anxiety.