Use of Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Anxiety

With the rise of people suffering from anxiety and the increase of the complexity in the dynamics of society, it is understandable that there will be a growing interest in the use of cannabidiol for the reduction of anxiety and depression. In case the news hasn’t reached your ears, cannabis products are being highly debated since there are more benefits than negative effects.

How CBD Helps with Anxiety

Anxiety is not just a mere emotion. The term doesn’t only serve as a synonym for the act ‘worrying,’ but also a condition wherein the body and mind respond to such a level of worry. Some people can manage it, but others might have panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. It is not uncommon for one to experience anxiety at least once in a lifetime.

Background of CBD

There can be many different ways of coping with anxiety. Still, the solution that many progressive groups sought is the use of cannabis products, specifically those that are CBD-based.

Cannabis products contain 2 major potent compounds: CBD and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). The THC is the reason why cannabis products like marijuana are seen as gateway drugs. It is the sole reason for getting people high and encouraging them to be addicted.

On the other hand, CBD is the complete opposite. CBD in itself have no intoxicating effects, Since CBD and THC both are found in marijuana plants, many people have misconception about labeling CBD products as illegal drugs. However, if any CBD based products manufactured have more CBD content and less than 0.3% of THC, then it can be safe and federally legal for public consumption.

Reducing Anxiety with CBD: How It Works?

Here’s how CBD works in the body. After consuming a product containing CBD for anxiety, the compound will stimulate certain receptors. These receptors are ‘CB1’ and ‘CB2’, which are part of the endocannabinoid system.

The CB1 receptors can be found throughout the body and brain. They are responsible for coordinating functions such as movement, emotion, thinking, pain, appetite, memories, and more. On the other hand, the CB2 receptors are mostly present in the immune system. They affect pain along with inflammation as well.

THC attaches itself to the CB1 receptors, which is why your bodily functions are affected as you get high. For CBD, it stimulates both CB1 and CB2 receptors, in which both will, later on, produce ‘endocannabinoids.’ These endocannabinoids serve as signaling molecules that can help in regulating bodily functions.

Furthermore, the neurotransmitter called ‘serotonin’ is also being regulated. That thing is important to one’s mental health. A person with anxiety is said to have low levels of serotonin. Consuming CBD can elevate those levels either at normal conditions or higher.

What the Research Says 

It is not hearsay about the connection between CBD oil and anxiety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, studies about generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, showed a reduction of stress in test animals such as rats. The physiological symptoms are seen as improving, and behavioral signs are lowering.

Other forms of anxiety like social anxiety disorder, or SAD, and post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, can be affected by CBD in a good way. In a 2015 study, participants were given either a placebo or a CBD product with 400 mg of dosage. The result showed that the majority of those who received CBD had lowered anxiety levels.

There are also studies about PTSD in which CBD helps curb symptoms like having negative flashbacks and nightmares. The latest studies about CBD have focused more on its effects on neurological disorders. Since neurological disorders are a far heavier subject than anxiety, it will be a breakthrough if there is undeniable proof of CBD’s positive impact.

So far, in the recent 2020 study in New Zealand, most participants who received CBD prescriptions have improved their quality of life after 3 weeks of treatment. Almost 70 percent are said to be satisfied with CBD treatment. The challenge is determining the right dosage for more severe mental health problems.

How To Use CBD For Anxiety 

Before opting to buy a CBD product, it is important to consider your budget. Along with that, you must know how much CBD product you will consume. The recommended daily dosage for those suffering from anxiety is between 300 to 600 mg daily if taken orally. That number comes from the experts who consolidated and analyzed the research data.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is liquid. So, how do we get to comply with the recommended dosage for anxiety? A single drop from a dropper is about 0.05 mL. If a bottle of CBD oil contains a volume of 30 mL and a CBD content of 1,500 mg, this means that in every 1 mL, there is an equivalent of 50 mg of CBD. Here’s the formula: (1500 mg) / (30 mL) = 50 mg/mL.

Recalling that a drop is only 0.05 mL, each drop of the said CBD oil contains 2.5 mg of CBD. Can’t believe it? Here’s the math: (0.05 mL/drop) * (50 mg/mL) = 2.5 mg/drop. So, 1 drop consists only of 2.5 mg of CBD. If you need 300 mg CBD Oil for anxiety daily, then you need around (300 mg) / (30 ml) / 2.5mg= 4 drops.

If you don’t like the dropper, you can use a measuring cup and consume 6 mL of CBD oil. Don’t worry. If you purchase the best CBD oil for anxiety from trusted brands, it will certainly come with detailed and user-friendly instructions.

CBD Gummies

CBD products are also available in solid edibles. The CBD gummies are packaged in a bottle or a container; each gummy weight roughly about 25 mg. So, for a 300-mg dosage, with fixed amount of CBD distributed among them. You can easily choose the dosage amount by calculating the milligrams of CBD present in each of them.

CBD Capsules

CBD can also be packaged in capsule form. CBD capsules are similar to CBD gummies, except that they are not meant for chewing. Each capsule also weighs 25 mg. for example you can take 4 capsules daily if you need 300 mg CBD daily.

Possible Side Effects Of CBD 

CBD may sound too good to be true, but there will always be downsides. So far, the side effects of CBD effects select individuals only. These are the following side effects:

• fatigue
• diarrhea
• appetite changes
• weight changes

In case of withdrawal that is triggered by consuming CBD products, here are the possible symptoms:

• nausea
• dizziness
• irritability
• fogginess

For now, studies show that normal people can tolerate a dosage of 1,500 mg of CBD daily. Unfortunately, there is no regulation from FDA yet, but it may be safe to say that CBD is okay to consume, assuming you have no life-threatening conditions.

Summary 

The problem with CBD products is that there is still a great divide between the medical community and the government agencies. One main reason is the stigma that marijuana and other THC-containing products have brought. There are many shreds of evidence now that the usage of CBD products can reduce anxiety. Like all other supplements, it has to be taken in moderation.