Using CBD for Anxiety

We are all bound to a body with a brain full of emotion. And many of us experience an elevated sense of stressful emotions, known as anxiety. Roughly 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety disorders, and if you are one of them, you are not alone.  

Anxiety may come in many forms and can develop from a wide set of factors such as life events, brain chemistry, and genetics.  While many people find relief from their anxiety with prescription medications, there are a lot of people who want to take a more natural approach to cope with their anxiety.  Some ways that people have been naturally approaching their stress and anxiety is through things like yoga, exercise, therapy, and plant remedies, like CBD products. CBD is a fantastic natural supplement and has may hemp help elevate mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. 

What is CBD?

Before diving into CBD for Anxiety, it is important to understand what it is. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant.  It is one of over 150 known cannabinoids and is found primarily in higher concentrations of industrial hemp plants. CBD was federally legalized in 2018 under the amended farm bill, allowing CBD products to be made, bought, and sold legally across the nation. 

How Does CBD Help Reduce Anxiety?

Our bodies are equipped with an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that is vital for keeping our body working properly.  The Endocannabinoid System’s job is to keep our bodies working at a state of homeostasis and is a system that is made of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids. Yes, our bodies make cannabinoids, this is why we can supplement with phytocannabinoids like CBD, to help us with many ailments.  

The Science Behind CBD for Anxiety Relief

Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by your body’s adrenal gland.  It is responsible for helping you respond to stress, among many other things. Increased levels of cortisol force your body into a ‘fight or flight’ response, which can cause mood swings and increase anxiety. CBD might help moderate cortisol levels, helping keep you calm in times when you normally experience elevated anxiety.

Another major way CBD can help with anxiety is due to its positive interaction with your 5-HT1A serotonin receptors.  Studies indicate that CBD can bind and activate these receptors and in return elevate your mood and balance emotions.  

In addition to a large number of testimonials from individuals who have found profound success in using CBD to combat their anxiety, several scientific studies relay the evidence that CBD does, in fact, help to reduce anxiety.  Here are a few studies that were conducted and their results. 

CBD for Anxiety and Sleep Problems: A 2019 Study on if CBD could treat people who were experiencing anxiety and sleep problems found that 80% of people’s anxiety improved. 

CBD for Anxiety and panic disorders: A 2015 review on 49 different studies found strongly supported evidence that Cannabidiol could be a treatment for panic disorders, generalized anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. 

CBD for Anxiety and Social anxiety: In 2011 a study found that CBD was able to reduce anxiety in people with a social anxiety disorder. 

CBD for Stress: What Should I Use?

There are many different CBD products and methods when it comes to using CBD for Anxiety.  Each method helps with different anxiety symptoms and has different lasting relief.  Keep these in mind when purchasing a product with CBD for anxiety. 

CBD Oil Drops: Taking CBD sublingually is one of the best ways to gain the most out of the benefits of CBD.  Dosing under the tongue can allow Cannabinoids to be absorbed through the glands and quickly enter the bloodstream to reach receptors.  Taking oral CBD for Anxiety may help reduce overall anxiety on a longer, more sustained scale. 

Vaping CBD:  When you vape CBD, you feel the effects immediately.  Vaping CBD for Anxiety relief is the best when you need to calm down instantly.  Although vaping may not last as long as taking Drops, it’s a great method for when you need to find an instant moment of relief. 

Topical CBD for anxiety: Many ask if topically taking CBD can help reduce anxiety.  While most topical CBD products do not directly enter the bloodstream, CBD, as well as other ingredients that may be in the product, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety such as body tension.  Relieving body tension is a great way to relax. 

Another method of using topical CBD for anxiety is with our Calming Lavender CBD Relief Roll On, since it contains essential oils that they can be used for aromatherapy.  Meaning the smell of these may improve your mood, health, and spirit. 

Are There Any Downsides to Using CBD for Anxiety?

With CBD having such promise for helping with Anxiety, depression, or stress, there are a few disadvantages that need to be brought up. 

One major downside to the CBD industry in general is that there are very few regulations on CBD products.  This has allowed many players who offer low-quality products that may not even work to enter this space.  These products may contain little CBD or low-quality extracts - people who try these products have little or bad results and may never try CBD again. 

Another disadvantage is that it can be expensive or not widely available.  Many companies put a huge price tag on their products that inhibit the everyday person from being able to afford them.  Also, it may not be easily available in the state where you reside. 

While CBD is known as safe, there are a few side effects that may occur.  These include fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, or dizziness. 

Takeaway

• CBD may help relieve anxiety by moderating cortisol levels and positively interacting with serotonin receptors.
• Taking CBD oil drops is one of the best ways to gain the full benefits of CBD.
• Topically applying CBD can relieve stress symptoms like body tension.