Due to its ability to treat a number of illnesses and conditions, the demand for cannabidiol oil has skyrocketed. Even though research on the effects of CBD oil is in the early stages, the initial results show that it can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms.
This article explores what CBD is and how exactly it can help with anxiety.
What is CBD Oil?
Cannabidiol is one of the 100+ compounds found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. It contains chemicals called cannabinoids which have the ability to bind to brain receptors and thus relieve pain.
CBD oil is credited with treating and preventing a number of health issues including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, heart problems, various skin issues, some types of cancer, and many more.
The oil can be added to various foods, used for cooking, or it can be taken in the form of CBD spray, capsules, drops, tinctures, gummies, chews, etc. However, CBD oil shouldn’t be smoked as there’s no evidence to confirm that it offers many health benefits when consumed this way. (See also: CBD Oil for Anxiety Pain Does It Really Work?)
Can CBD Oil Make You High?
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is another well-known compound found in the marijuana plant which is actually responsible for making people high.
Cannabidiol oil is obtained from hemp, a type of industrial cannabis and, unlike THC, it doesn’t make consumers feel ‘high’.
CBD oil can contain small traces of THC but these will not alter the consumer’s mental state in any way.
CBD Oil for Anxiety
According to ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America), anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the States affecting 18% or 40 million adults age 18 and older.
Standard treatment for anxiety includes psychotherapy and prescribed medications such as Xanax, Prozac, and Klonopin. While these medications can be quite effective for some patients, others fail to see much improvement. In addition to causing a number of side effects, these drugs are also highly addictive. This is the reason why many people turn to natural remedies such as CBD oil. In fact, more than 60% of CBD oil users stated they were using the oil to treat a health condition, most commonly depression, pain, and anxiety.
Research on CBD’s efficiency in relieving anxiety symptoms is lacking, since most studies are generalized and refer to medical marijuana. However, the initial results seem quite promising:
- A study from 2010 confirmed that CBD helps alleviate symptoms of SAD (social anxiety disorder). The results showed that CBD affects blood circulation to parts of the brain that are responsible for the production of anxiety. Besides reducing anxiety, CBD also had positive effects on discomfort and cognitive impairment in participants.
- A report published in 2015 found that CBD can help with general anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, PTS (post-traumatic stress), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, the report notes that while CBD can help when it comes short-term anxiety, there is not enough data to confirm its effectiveness when used on a long-term basis.
- A 2016 study revealed that CBD can have antipsychotic effects on people suffering from schizophrenia. The same study notes that CBD is preferred over prescription drugs because it doesn’t cause severe side effects.
Side Effects and Precautions
Research has shown that negative effects are common when cannabis is smoked. CBD oil, on the other hand, is generally considered to be safe and is a great natural alternative for people who can’t tolerate the adverse effects of prescribed anxiety drugs. However, in some cases, CBD oil can cause the following side effects:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Appetite changes
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Lowered blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Increased liver enzyme levels
- Restlessness
If you’re experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately. Consulting a mental-health professional will help you find the best anxiety treatment.
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CBD and prescription medications
CBD oil can interact with certain prescription drugs including some anti-epileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines, and antihistamines. If you’re currently using these medications, make sure to consult a healthcare professional before you start using CBD oil.
You should also talk to your doctor if you’re planning to stop taking any prescription medications. Suddenly stopping your medication therapy can result in withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, fogginess, nausea, and irritability.
Dosage
Since CBD oil isn’t approved for treatment of anxiety by the FDA, there’s no official CBD oil dosage chart to follow. The amount and frequency of taking CBD oil are currently unclear and may depend on various individual factors, such as body weight or the condition being treated. It is best to consult with a medical professional who has previous experience with cannabidiol oil in order to determine the right dosage for you.
CBD products precautions
Due to the fact that CBD oil is unregulated, many CBD products (especially those sold online) may be mislabeled. Many of these products often contain substantial amounts of psychoactive THC, which is known to worsen anxiety symptoms. That’s why it is important to obtain CBD oil from renown companies. I recommend looking at reviews like this one for Select CBD to see what shoppers say about CBD products.
Is CBD Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products have no psychoactive effects and are legal in all fifty states. On the other hand, marijuana-derived CBD is treated as a byproduct of THC-rich marijuana and is treated accordingly.
As of 2018, eight states have legalized both hemp and marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, whereas an additional 36 states made CBD legal for medicinal use only. However, the law is different in every state, so you may be required to have a special license from your doctor in order to be able to buy CBD oil. If CBD is legal in your state, you can obtain it online, in clinics, as well as in specialty stores.
In Conclusion
The efficiency of CBD as anxiety remedy still remains unclear and more studies are needed in order to assess its risks and benefits.
Patients considering CBD oil as an alternative anxiety treatment should first consult a medical professional in order to determine the ideal dosage and treatment plan.
It is also recommended to do a research of the laws in their state prior to purchasing any CBD products.
About The Author:
Sam is a freelance writer and marketing communications specialist who enjoys creating a copy on a wide range of subjects. He strives to provide a friendly and efficient service that people will be happy with, in particular, one that increases sales, build customer relationships and delivers a clear message.
