Cannabidiol for Anxiety: Does it Work?​

Cannabidiol or CBD comes naturally from cannabis and hemp plants. Research early on looked quite promising in regards to cannabidiol for anxiety to help manage and lessen stress and anxiety.

Another type of cannabinoid is THC, but unlike CBD it can have intoxicating effects as you would with cannabis.

You can find a lot of information about the possible benefits of cannabidiol for anxiety to see whether or not it is a good choice for you.

How Cannabidiol Works

Receptors are protein based chemical structures that are connected to our cells which accept signals from various stimuli and the human body has several different ones.

Cannabidiol or CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are located in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, correspondingly.

It is not fully understood exactly how CBD affects CB1 receptors in the brain. It may however, change serotonin signals.

Serotonin plays a vital role regarding your mental health. People that suffer depression typically have low levels of serotonin. Sometimes when you don’t have enough serotonin it could also cause generalized anxiety disorder.

Typically, when treated for low serotonin, you will be prescribed medication such as Prozac or Zoloft. However, some may be able to help manage it by using cannabidiol for anxiety instead.

 Other anxiety related disorders

There are other anxiety disorders such PTSD and social anxiety that CBD may also help manage. It has also been known to help manage insomnia brought on by anxiety.

In a 2011 study, research showed those given CBD experienced a reduction in their anxiety levels.

Many recent studies that have been medically reviewed have shown that CBD products may help with symptoms of PTSD, such as undesirable memories and bad dreams. CBD was looked at both by itself as well as a supplemental to more traditional methods such as prescribed medications and behavioral therapies.

Dosage

Getting the right dosage of Cannabidiol for anxiety can be tricky and is recommended to ask your health care provider to help you start at the right dose for you.

There was a 2018 study involving male participants that took CBD prior to a public speaking test. It was found that a small dose of 300mg taken about an hour and a half prior to the test, was sufficient in reducing their anxiety levels.

Side Effects of CBD

There are very few reports of side effects from using CBD. It is overall considered safe. However, some have experienced effects such as:

• Weight change
• Fatigue
• Appetite change
• Diarrhea

Taking cannabidiol for anxiety may also interact with some supplements and medications such as blood thinners or those that have a grapefruit warning. Grapefruit and CBD both interact with enzymes that are vital to drug metabolism.

Is cannabidiol legal?

As long as the hemp derived product has less than 0.3% THC it is legal federally. However, each state has their own laws and in some it is not legal. CBD products that contain higher levels of THC are not legal federally, but are legal in some states. 

Buying CBD Oil

Parts of the U.S. only allow CBD products for certain medical reasons, such as treating epilepsy. For this reason, you may have to obtain a license from your health care provider in or to buy CBD oil.

Cannabidiol for anxiety, can be purchased online from a reputable company such as Patriot Supreme.

As more and more research develops, more states will begin to get on board, leading to more availability to purchase cannabidiol for anxiety.