Research Findings on CBD for Anxiety Relief: What Science Says

Does CBD Help Anxiety? Research and Best CBD Products for Anxiety

CBD is the hottest new supplement on the market with a laundry list of ailments it helps alleviate. Unlike THC, CBD treats a variety of conditions without the risk for any psychoactive effects or “high” feeling. Despite acting on the same receptors as THC, CBD is non-habit forming and does not come with any of the traditional side effects commonly associated with pharmaceutical medications. Despite research on CBD and anxiety being promising, a lot of people may still be cautious. So, does CBD help anxiety? In this article, we’ll get into the research that has been done on using CBD for anxiety and recommend the best CBD for anxiety products available today.

How Does CBD Oil for Anxiety Work?

There are several receptors in the human body. Receptors are chemical structures made up of proteins that are connected to your cells. Signals from various stimuli are received by them. CBD is thought to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system contain the majority of these receptors. The specific mechanism by which CBD impacts CB1 receptors in the brain is unknown. It may, however, affect serotonin signals.

• CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating mood, stress response, and anxiety levels.
• CBD binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating fear and anxiety-related behaviors.
• CBD may also affect serotonin signaling in the brain, which is important for regulating mood and anxiety.
• Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
• CBD may help increase serotonin levels in the brain, similar to how SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work to treat anxiety and depression.

The Potential Benefits of Using CBD for Anxiety

CBD has been shown to have potential benefits for various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some of the potential benefits of using CBD for anxiety include:

• Reducing anxiety symptoms such as nervousness, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
• Improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia associated with anxiety.
• Decreasing the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
• Reducing avoidance behaviors and increasing the ability to face anxiety-provoking situations.
• Enhancing the effectiveness of exposure therapy for phobias and PTSD.
• Providing a safer and more tolerable alternative to traditional anti-anxiety medications, which can have significant side effects and potential for abuse.

What Research Has Been Done on CBD and Anxiety?

CBD interacts with the CB1R, the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, and other brain receptors that govern fear and anxiety-induced behaviors, according to the authors of a 2015 review. Preclinical and clinical evidence confirmed CBD as an effective treatment for a variety of anxiety disorders, according to the review’s authors, including: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Here a are just a few of the studies showing the effectiveness in using CBD for anxiety:

• CBD reduced anxiety and discomfort during public speaking in adults with social anxiety disorder, according to a 2011 study.
• CBD was also proven to improve anxiety symptoms in persons with social anxiety disorder in another 2011 study.
• A study on the effects of CBD on persons with SAD was also published in 2011. A 400 mg CBD oil dosage for anxiety or a placebo was given to the participants orally. Those who were given CBD had lower anxiety levels overall.
• CBD may help with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to an analysis of 49 research published in 2015.
• Male subjects in a 2018 study were given CBD before being put through a simulated public speaking test. The researchers discovered that a 300 mg oral dose given 90 minutes before the test greatly reduced the speakers’ anxiety.
• In a 2019 study, 91 percent of 11 PTSD patients reported reduced symptoms after ingesting CBD for anxiety and depression.
• CBD was used in a 2019 study to help those suffering from anxiety and insomnia. In the first month, nearly 80% of patients reported better anxiety, and nearly 70% reported improved sleep, however the outcomes for sleep changed over time.

Research on CBD and Anxiety in 2020: What Does it Say?

Researchers in New Zealand studied the effects of CBD in 397 individuals in a study published in 2020. Participants in the study were given medical CBD prescriptions for non-cancer pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological symptoms, and mental health problems. After three weeks of CBD treatment, all groups reported an improvement in their general quality of life. Individuals who got CBD for anxiety and depression reported improved capacity to perform everyday duties as well as a reduction in pain and anxiety or depression symptoms. 70% of study participants said they were satisfied with their CBD treatment in some way, ranging from good to outstanding. Only 9.9% of those who took part in the study suffered negative side effects like drowsiness or vivid dreams.

• Researchers examined the impact of CBD treatment on 72 persons with anxiety or sleep issues in a retrospective study. Most of the participants in the study took one 25mg capsule of CBD daily. Some took 50mg or 75mg. One patient with schizoaffective disorder and a trauma history received up to 175 mg/day.
• 78.1–79.2 percent of subjects reported improvements in anxiety symptoms after just two months of CBD administration.
• In another study published in 2020, the authors looked at eight research studies that reviewed CBD’s usefulness in treating a variety of anxiety conditions.
• The authors discovered evidence to support the use of CBD as a monotherapy or adjunct therapy for treating GAD, SAD, and PTSD.
• The CBD doses in the research, however, varied greatly, ranging from 6-400 mg each treatment. This discrepancy underlines the need for more high-quality, large-scale clinical investigations to help create standardized CBD dosage for anxiety with clinical usage guidelines.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Anxiety

When choosing a CBD product for anxiety, it’s important to look for high-quality, pure CBD from a reputable source. Some factors to consider when selecting a CBD product include:

• Look for products that have been third-party tested for purity and potency.
• Choose CBD products that are made from organic, non-GMO hemp.
• Consider the type of CBD extract used in the product. Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum CBD has had the THC removed. CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other compounds.
• Look for products that are labeled with the amount of CBD per serving and the recommended dosage.
• Consider the delivery method that works best for you, such as tinctures, capsules, edibles, or topicals.
• Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the product’s effectiveness and any potential side effects.

Top CBD Products for Anxiety

Here are some of the top-rated CBD products for anxiety based on customer reviews and quality:

• FAB CBD Oil: This full-spectrum CBD oil is made from organic Colorado-grown hemp and comes in a variety of strengths and natural flavors.
• CBDistillery CBD Gummies: These gummies contain 30mg of broad-spectrum CBD per serving and are made with natural ingredients.
• NuLeaf Naturals CBD Oil: This full-spectrum CBD oil is made from organic Colorado-grown hemp and contains no additives or preservatives.
• Charlotte’s Web CBD Capsules: These capsules contain 25mg of full-spectrum CBD per serving and are made with organic, non-GMO hemp.
• Lazarus Naturals CBD Tincture: This high-potency CBD tincture is made from organic, non-GMO hemp and comes in a variety of flavors.

How to Use CBD for Anxiety

When using CBD for anxiety, it’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. Some tips for using CBD for anxiety include:

• Start with a low dose of around 10-20mg of CBD per day, and gradually increase by 5-10mg per week until you find the optimal dose for your needs.
• Take CBD consistently for at least a few weeks to allow it to build up in your system and provide maximum benefits.
• Consider using CBD in combination with other anxiety-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise.
• Talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition.
• Be patient and give CBD time to work. Some people may notice benefits within a few days, while others may need to use CBD for several weeks before seeing improvements in anxiety symptoms.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects such as:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Changes in appetite
• Diarrhea

It’s also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, so it’s important to talk to your doctor before using CBD if you are taking any prescription drugs. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using CBD due to limited research on its safety in these populations.

Conclusion

CBD has shown promising results in studies for treating various types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. When choosing a CBD product for anxiety, it’s important to look for high-quality, pure CBD from a reputable source and to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. While CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using CBD, especially if you are taking any medications or have a medical condition. With the right product and dosage, CBD may provide a safe and effective alternative or complementary treatment option for managing anxiety symptoms.

FAQ

• Is CBD legal?

The legal status of CBD varies by state and at the federal level. Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level, but are legal under some state laws. Check your state’s laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled.

• Can CBD help with depression?

CBD has shown promise as a treatment for depression in animal studies, but there is currently limited research on its effectiveness for depression in humans. More research is needed to determine the potential benefits and risks of using CBD for depression.

• How long does it take for CBD to work for anxiety?

The amount of time it takes for CBD to work for anxiety varies from person to person. Some people may notice benefits within a few hours of taking CBD, while others may need to use it consistently for several weeks before seeing improvements in anxiety symptoms.

• Can you take too much CBD?

While it is possible to take too much CBD, it is unlikely to cause severe side effects or overdose. However, taking high doses of CBD may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. It’s important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to avoid taking too much.

• Is CBD addictive?

CBD is not considered to be addictive or habit-forming. Unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD does not produce euphoric or intoxicating effects that can lead to addiction. However, it is possible to develop a tolerance to CBD over time, meaning that higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effects.