What is the Relationship between CBD Oil and Anxiety?
Cannabidiol is a type of compound that comes from cannabis plants. CBD (cannabidiol) research is in its early stages still. However, the evidence indicates that some individuals can gain relief from using CBD oil for anxiety.
In this article, we will be examining what CBD oil actually is. We’ll also look at how it can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
What Is CBD Oil?
This oil is derived from the cannabis plant. It’s rich in chemicals, called cannabinoids. These chemicals bind to receptors inside of the brain, which can help relieve pain symptoms.
Cannabidiol oil is extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD oil contains a rich amount of cannabinoids. This is what binds to the specialized receptors inside of the brain.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is, without a doubt, the best-known cannabinoid. This is what causes the “high” that is felt after marijuana is used. However, THC is only one of several cannabinoids.
On the other hand, cannabidiol also binds to these receptors. However, a high isn’t produced.
This means that you can consume CBD products and go about your daily life without worrying about any negative side effects. Many CBD enthusiasts extoll its numerous health benefits. These can range from improved mental health to slowing cancer growth.
CBD oil is actually edible and may be added to food or used as a type of cooking oil. Individuals can also consume a couple of drops to take it as a type of medication.
Will CBD Get You High?
The short answer is no. CBD oil that comes from hemp cannot get you high.
Hemp is a kind of cannabis plant that is raised for industrial purposes, like making clothing and paper. Unlike other types of cannabis plants, hemp does not contain high levels of THC.
However, some CBD products may contain trace levels of THC. This isn’t enough to induce a high. That being said, if you have to take a drug test, you might end up testing positive for THC.
Therefore, it’s important to always read the label. Alternatively, some retailers, like CBD Village, insist that products undergo third-party lab testing. All our CBD oils contain little to no THC, and the results are readily available on the product page.
CBD Oil For Anxiety – Is It The Solution?
Cannabis is well-known to help with relaxation. This makes it a popular natural remedy for anxiety. However, a large part of cannabis research has focussed on the use of marijuana as opposed to CBD oil.
Therefore, people have really only learned about CBD in the last 10 or so years. The good news is that legislation surrounding cannabis use is constantly changing for the better. This means that we can expect more research, and more results.
Speaking of research, some studies have shown that cannabis can help in reducing anxiety. Other studies have suggested smoking marijuana may make an individual be more vulnerable to developing anxiety. Some studies have also indicated that people with anxiety can be at a higher risk of using marijuana for recreational purposes.
Individuals who are interested in trying to manage anxiety by using CBD products need to look at research that is exclusively on cannabidiol, and not generalized studies done on medical marijuana. Fewer studies have been specifically done on cannabidiol, but the preliminary research does show promise.
Cannabis for Social Anxiety
A small study conducted in 2010 found that cannabidiol can reduce social anxiety symptoms in individuals who have social anxiety disorder (SAD). The participants’ brain scans showed blood flow changes to the areas of the brain that are linked with anxious feelings.
In the study, not only did cannabidiol make participants feel better, but it also changed the response of their brains to anxiety.
A 2011 study also found that cannabidiol can reduce social anxiety. In the study, researchers specifically looked at cannabidiol for treating the anxiety that comes with public speaking.
By 2014, published research showed that CBD oil within an animal model had possible antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Furthermore, analysis in 2015 showed that CBD oil is a very promising treatment for many different forms of anxiety. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
However, the report cautioned that there is only a limited amount of data available on long-term CBD use. Although research strongly suggests that cannabidiol plays an important role in treating short-term anxiety, not much is known about the long-term effects. Results are also unclear on how it can be used as a form of prolonged treatment.
A case study from 2016 explored whether or not cannabidiol may reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as well as sleep disorder provoked by anxiety in a child who has a history with trauma. It was found by researchers that cannabidiol helped to reduce the anxiety of the child and also helped her sleep better.
Can CBD Oil Help With Chronic Pain Management?
When it comes to pain management, CBD oil is becoming an increasingly popular option. This is because smoking cannabis can pose more health risks than the use of CBD oil. Research suggests that using cannabis can cause negative health effects, especially when it is smoked.
However, specific research on cannabidiol has found no or few negative side effects. This means that CBD oil could be a good option for individuals who don’t want to endure the side-effects from other anxiety medication, including addiction.
Not every state in the U.S. has legalized CBD oil, although some states have legalised it just for specific purposes. However, before using CBD, individuals should research potential risks and side-effects.
Although CBD oil is not on the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) list, consider consulting with a doctor or a healthcare professional, before using it to treat anxiety.
Since CBD products aren’t regulated as an anxiety medical treatment, dosages, strengths, and effectiveness can vary. Thankfully, there are a number of healthcare professionals and doctors who are receptive to the idea of CBD. Therefore, to find a CBD oil that meets your needs, consult with these professionals.
Ways To Take CBD For Anxiety
CBD comes in a variety of forms, and each of them has pros and cons. In fact, there’s no “best way” to take CBD — it all depends on what you’re using it for.
The strength of your CBD oil or tincture, along with how much you take, all depends on what you’re looking for, and what you want to achieve. Additionally, you’ll also need to decide if you’ll need a quick, instant-release method, or if you want the effects of CBD to come on slowly, to help you through the day.
Each CBD product has a different bioavailability, so this is something to consider before purchasing a product.
CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are a quick and easy way to get a dose of CBD. They’re also very discreet. Plus, they come in a selection of strengths and flavours.
Tinctures are made when CBD oil is mixed with a carrier oil. It’s meant to be taken sublingually — simply place a few drops under your tongue for five minutes or so. This will help the absorption of CBD oil into your bloodstream.
Most tincture enthusiasts report effects within 10 to 20 minutes. Sometimes, these effects can last for up to six hours!
Which CBD Tinctures Work Best for Anxiety?
Choosing a bottle of CBD oil to help with anxiety can be difficult. The selection of CBD tinctures available is huge — and it’s only going to get bigger. That’s why we’ve picked two of our personal favourites, to make your decision that much easier.
We’re partial to the Canndid’s CBD Tinctures. Each bottle contains 10ml of CBD-infused goodness. It’s also available in three different strengths: 250mg, 1000mg, and 1500mg.
However, what really makes this tincture stand out is its flavour. Sure, some tinctures might be a little too bitter, leaving you reaching for a glass of water once it hits your tongue. This isn’t the case here.
In fact, this tincture comes in a mixed-berry flavour — a welcome change!
We also really like the 1000mg CBD Oil from Paso. Earlier, we mentioned that some CBD products can contain THC. However, this isn’t something you have to worry about with this tincture from Paso.
Their tincture is completely free from THC. Plus, they also refrain from using any flavouring, colouring, or additives in their production process. This leaves you with 30ml of solid CBD goodness.
Vaping CBD
Hemp flower can be very high in cannabidiol, and if you’re a seasoned vape enthusiast, this method might work for you.
You have the option of using either hemp flower, or CBD e-liquid. Add it to your vape pen, power it up, and you’re good to go.
Vaping is one of the most common ways to take cannabidiol for anxiety. This is because the effects are almost instantaneous. However, they don’t last as long as other methods.
What CBD Vape Liquids Do We Recommend?
The most complicated part of choosing a CBD e-liquid can be selecting a flavour. While there are a huge number of CBD vape liquids on the market, not all e-liquid flavours are created equal.
Here are two of our favourite CBD e-liquids, both combine delicious flavours with a selection of CBD strengths. These e-liquids are also rigorously tested, to ensure a solid final product, every single time.
We’re especially fond of the Flavoured 100mg E-Liquid from CBD Drop. It comes in four fruity flavours — apple and pear, berry, tropical mix, and watermelon. Each tiny bottle contains 10ml of CBD-infused e-liquid.
Depending on how often you vape, that could last you up to a week! At £7.99, that’s not bad at all.
Second — but certainly not last — on our list, is the CBD 1000mg 30ml E-Liquid from Dinner Lady.
Known for their eclectic flavours, you can choose from:
- Lemon tart
- Mint tobacco
- Sweet fruits
Additionally, this vape liquid is completely free from nicotine. It’s a great option, especially if you want to kick the cigarette habit!
If you’re looking to get a vape pen, but don’t know where to start — don’t worry! As always, we’ve got you covered with this handy list.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are made by mixing CBD with a carrier oil. This is then divided into capsules, for easy consumption. This is a great way to include CBD into your wellness routine, as you’re able to take the capsules along with the rest of your supplement.
CBD capsules work in a similar way to edibles. The capsule casing stops stomach acids from breaking it down. This means that the bioavailability of CBD capsules is much lower than other methods.
Therefore, effects kick in slowly and can last longer.
CBD Capsules for Anxiety — Our Recommendation
If you’re looking to add CBD capsules to your wellness routine, we’re happy to recommend the CBD capsules from Canndid. These capsules are available in both 10mg (50 capsules per bottle) and 25mg (30 capsules per bottle).
Canndid products undergo regular testing, to make sure that every single batch is up to standard. These capsules take effect one or two hours after consumption, and results can last up to six hours.
Plus, the CBD in these capsules is extracted from naturally grown hemp. That means you don’t have to worry about chemicals and pesticides. These capsules are completely safe to ingest!
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles have become more and more popular over recent years. This is because CBD-infused butter and oil have changed the game — there is now a selection of CBD sweets and baked goods to choose from.
In fact, we stock a selection of edibles on CBD Village. However, keep in mind that with edibles, effects might not be felt for up to two hours after consumption.
Don’t let this put you off, though. While they might start slow, these effects can be felt for up to half a day!
Which CBD Edibles Are Right for Me?
If you’ve got a sweet tooth — well, we’ve got some good news. The vast majority of CBD edibles come in some form of sweet treat. This is why we’re very excited to recommend the 25mg CBD Double Chocolate Cookie from Naturecan.
Not only do they contain 25mg of CBD — a hefty dose! — but they’re also completely vegan-friendly. Plus, they’re made with protein powder, so they’re actually good for you.
In addition to this, these cookies don’t contain any THC, and they’re third-party lab tested. What’s not to love?
We also love the CBD infused chocolate from 1CBD. Each bar is infused with 300mg of CBD — perfect for when you want to wind down at the end of the day, or if you need a mid-day sugar rush.
These handmade chocolates are available in two flavours — raspberry burst, and salt caramel blonde.
If neither of these suggestions tickles your fancy, consider browsing our selection of CBD edibles here. You can also make your own CBD edibles. All you need is a tincture, and a good recipe to follow!
Intranasal
While the intranasal method might sound quite alien to some, it’s actually more common than you’d think.
This is when a person uses a special spray bottle of CBD oil that’s breathed into the nose. Here, the thin mucosa absorbs the CBD oil. It’s a quick, easy, and effective way of doing things — but it might not be the most comfortable.
CBD Spray/Oromucosal
Another fast and very effective way of consuming cannabidiol is by using another form of spray. This is known as the oromucosal method.
Here, CBD oil is sprayed onto the cheek. This isn’t as uncomfortable as the intranasal method, and the effects take hold quite quickly.
Smoking CBD
This is one of the most popular ways to ingest CBD. It’s been around for ages, so it’s stood the test of time.
While CBD and hemp cigarettes have never gone out of style, other forms of CBD are rapidly gaining ground on it in the UK.
How Long Before I Start Seeing Changes With My Anxiety?
There have been a number of studies done on using CBD for anxiety. It seems to work in two ways. First, CBD can help to rebuild the brain cells in the hippocampus.
It can also help regulate the serotonin levels in your brain. These might not sound like short-term solutions, but they can be helpful in the long run.
Secondly, there is also a lot of anecdotal evidence that CBD can help regulate appetite, sleep, and stress instantly. Given that not eating regularly, not getting enough sleep, and a raised level of stress can contribute to anxiety, that’s how CBD can help.
Is CBD Oil Safe To Take?
Yes, CBD is extremely safe to consume. There have been no known deaths caused by taking CBD oil. In fact, research shows that humans can tolerate up to 1500mg of CBD.
The one warning you will hear a lot about CBD oil is that, like grapefruit juice, it has been known to interact with the liver’s enzymes. This could cause increases or decreases in any pharmacological drugs you may be taking.
Therefore, always consult with a doctor before taking CBD oil.
CBD Oil Dosage Guide for Anxiety
Studies surrounding CBD and anxiety show that there is a wide variety of different dosages for cannabidiol. It goes from 5mg all the way up to 600mg.
It also shows that CBD for anxiety is more effective in smaller doses and that the effects are not linear. This means that the effects are felt more the more CBD oil you consume.
Therefore, don’t take more cannabidiol because you think the effects will come quicker.
It’s generally good practice to start small when taking CBD oil for anxiety. You can gradually build up the dose, depending on how much you’re taking. Start with 5mg for around three days.
After that, increase your dosage to 10mg for another three days. Keep increasing it by 5mg every three days until you find that the cannabidiol is having the desired effect. A lot of people who take CBD for their anxiety find that 20mg per day is enough to have their symptoms relieved.
Many people can suffer from onset anxiety due to social anxiety. Get yourself a CBD vape pen — the stress relief can be instant!
Conclusion
It is still unclear what role cannabidiol can play when it comes to treating anxiety disorder, since more long-term studies are needed to assess the risks and benefits.
For individuals with anxiety who have not received relief from other types of treatments, CBD oil could be a good alternative. However, if you’re new to CBD oil, you should always consult with a doctor — especially if you’re looking to treat your anxiety.
In addition to this, it’s important to research the laws within your local areas, regarding cannabis products. Always get your information from a reputable source.
At CBD Village, we’re pleased to be your first point of information for all things CBD. We’re happy to guide you through your CBD flower journey, and we’re here to answer any questions you can have.
CBD Village is also your most reputable source of CBD products, as all the products we stock have been third-party tested for quality assurance. Shop our range of CBD products, and rest assured that you’re in good hands.
