CBD Oil for Anxiety, What You Need to Know

All across the world, people are battling with mental disorders. Overall, there are 1.1 billion people with a mental or substance use disorder.

But when it comes to anxiety disorders, there are a stunning 275 million people. The countries with the most include America, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, Algeria, and Iran.

So it doesn’t hold any prejudice against the geographical location or ethnicity of its victims.

If you’re one who suffers from anxiety disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, anxiety attacks, or just fill anxious all the time, then there may be a solution for you.

You’ll find that many of those with anxiety are turning to natural herbal remedies, such as CBD oil.

This is likely due to studies that show children with anxiety benefit more from CBD oil than they do pharmaceutical medications.

If you’re considering using CBD oil, then you’ll find this article helpful.

Let’s take a closer look at how CBD oil can treat anxiety disorders.

First, What is CBD Oil?

Before we go into the details and findings behind the claims of CBD oil helping treat anxiety, let’s do an overview of what this product is.

CBD – or cannabidiol – is a compound inside of cannabis plants. When a lot of people first hear this, they immediately shun it for being from the cannabis plant.

But what these individuals fail to realize is the CBD doesn’t contain THC, which is the substance in marijuana that gives you a high. So in short, it offers all the benefits of marijuana without the buzz.

CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant, which is then either used for recipes, tinctures, or vape pens.

How Does CBD Oil Help with Anxiety?

A significant portion of Americans have struggled with anxiety. There are various types of clinical anxiety including, OCD, PTSD, and social anxiety. There are also less severe forms of anxiety like insomnia, procrastination, and phobias.

Most Americans who are diagnosed with a type of anxiety disorder are prescribed benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax, but these drugs are very addictive and can lead to dependence as well as various side effects including insomnia, poor coordination, and loss of balance. Not to mention, they’re highly addictive!

Unlike benzodiazepines, CBD doesn’t bring any of the side effects, but still treats the symptoms of anxiety such as insomnia or negative thoughts. Many people downplay the severity of anxiety, but it can be a very debilitating issue. Eighteen percent of all adults in the US are affected by various anxiety disorders, and almost a third of everyone in America struggle with anxiety at an eventual point of their life.

CBD stimulates the endocannabinoid system of the body — the system that can influence pain, mood, sleep, memory, and appetite. Stress reduction is the main role that the endocannabinoid system plays. CBD can stimulate the receptors in the endocannabinoid system leading to reduced symptoms of anxiety and long-term recovery.

The magic behind cannabidiol is in the way it interacts with your brain receptors. The role of these receptors is to receive chemical signals and help your cells respond.

CBD binds with specific receptors known as CB1. It’s not entirely known why it works. However, it’s believed that it can alter signals from serotonin.

This is a chemical that plays a big role in your mental health. For instance, when you develop low levels of serotonin, it can lead to depression.

CBD oil has the opposite effect, uplifting whoever takes it. Many describe it as having a calming effect. And for some folks, it reduces the number of panic attacks they have each day.

One study reveals that CBD had anti-depressant and anti-anxiety qualities.

Is it Effective?

Thus far, the majority of the research studies that have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of CBD as a way to treat anxiety have been conducted on animals or in labs. While there has yet to be a large amount of human-based clinical trials to support the use of CBD oil for the treatment of anxiety, preliminary studies have found that the cannabinoid does show definite promise for conditions like social anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and even post traumatic stress syndrome.

Top-Rated CBD Brands

The Controversy Surrounding CBD

Now, you’ll come across some experts who will argue that recreational use of marijuana contributes to the development of anxiety. Or that it makes you more susceptible to getting anxiety.

This is why research is highly essential. You can find a number of studies that show the benefits of CBD. For instance, a study done in 2010 shows that cannabidiol can minimize the symptoms of social anxiety.

When brain scans were given to the participants, it showed blood flow changes in certain areas of the brain that are connected to anxiety. So not only did it enhance the mood of the participants, but it also changed the way their brain responded to anxiety.

There was another study done the following year that showed the same thing – a reduction in social anxiety. But in this study, the focus was on how CBD can help reduce anxiety associated with speaking in public.

After additional research was done in a 2015 analysis, it was shown that CBD is truly a promising treatment for various types of anxiety disorders, such as:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Social anxiety disorder

Panic disorder

Anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder

Next, let’s take a look at the side effects of CBD oil.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil?

When it comes to judging a new health product you’re unfamiliar with, it’s important to look at its possible side effects. But how you choose a product shouldn’t be based on whether or not a product has potential side effects.

Because just about everything you consume comes with side effects, especially if taken wrong. So instead, you should judge the product based on the severity of the side effects.

For example, you’ll find some pharmaceuticals that warn of the risk of heart attack, diabetes, or liver issues. These are a higher risk so it doesn’t seem like a reasonable option.

When it comes to CBD oil, some users experience side effects like:

Dizziness

Mood changes

Fatigue

Gastrointestinal discomfort

Dry mouth

Sleeping problems

As you can see, the side effects or no worse than a typical hangover. There’s nothing potentially lethal about these symptoms, which is why millions of people are flocking to this product.

For comparison, here’s a look at some of the common side effects of prescription anxiety medication:

• Restlessness
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction
• Increased sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Difficulty urinating
• Tremors
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Speech problems
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Depression
• Shortness of breath

This is a very short list. Not to mention, they also carry all of the same side effects of CBD oil we mentioned as well. In some cases, the side effects of anxiety medication can be worse (or as bad) as anxiety itself. So it’s crucial that you fully understand everything that comes along with this type of medication before you take it.

One of the most important things to consider when weighing the pros and cons of using CBD oil or medication is that CBD oil is not addictive. That means you’re able to use it without worrying about becoming dependent on it. So if you ever want to stop taking this supplement for some reason, you won’t have any trouble.

On the flip side, getting off anxiety medication can be a struggle once your body has developed a dependency on it. The dependency can sometimes lead to abuse and cause you to turn to even more harsh drugs as well. So as you can see, CBD Oil can be a much safer, and natural solution for people suffering from anxiety.

Is it Legal to Use CBD in All 50 States?

This is where things can get confusing for many. As you’ll find, there are two types of CBD oil – one that derives from marijuana and the other that stems from hemp.

Be sure to find out the type you’re buying and the laws and regulations surrounding it. You’ll find that CBD from hemp is legal in all 50 states.

So you won’t have to worry about getting pulled over and arrested just for having a bottle on you. But do note that marijuana-derived CBD oil isn’t legal everywhere so be wary of buying this without doing research first.

Due to the fact that the CBD was extracted from marijuana, which has a higher THC content than hemp oil, it makes this CBD harder to use legally. This still holds true even when the CBD is isolated.

It is still seen legally as purchasing a marijuana byproduct, and as such, you might run into some legal red tape when trying to purchase it in the more strict states.

Getting Started with CBD Oil

Ready to start using CBD oil to calm your anxiety symptoms? Then you can find a large variety of CBD oil products on the market today.

Just be sure to do your research to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product. One way to do this is to look at the reviews other buyers left.

It’s also a good idea to test different dosage amounts to see what works for your anxiety issues (and maybe help other underlying problems).

Hopefully, you’ll find a CBD oil that’s right for you. Let us know in the comments about your experience with CBD oil!

Anxiety can be debilitating and make it difficult for you to do the things that you need to do every day. Seemingly simple tasks like driving, social interactions or facing confrontations are like emotional mountains for people with anxiety.

The symptoms of anxiety differ from one person to the next. You might feel ill-at-ease and edgy, while another person might be irritable and short-tempered.

Physicians have a few ways to help people with anxiety symptoms. You might be encouraged to see a therapist for counseling. You might receive a prescription for anti-anxiety medications. Unfortunately, some of those medications cause serious side effects. Plus, people with certain health conditions might not be able to take prescription anti-anxiety drugs.

CBD oil may be an ideal treatment for your anxiety. If you are looking for a different solution in order to manage your symptoms, here is what you need to know about CBD oil for anxiety.

How CBD Oil for Anxiety Works

Researchers believe that CBD oil works on a receptor in the brain called CB1. The researchers suspect that CB1 receptors play a role in serotonin absorption. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter.

It plays an important role in your moods and mental health. If your serotonin level is low, you may feel depressed or anxious. In the past, doctors treated people with low serotonin with medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

These drugs reduce the amount of serotonin that your brain absorbs. This means that more of it is available to circulate, so blood levels are higher. For some people, CBD oil is a good alternative to taking SSRIs.

The CBD oil may have similar effects of reducing the absorption of serotonin so that more of it is free to circulate. In this way, CBD oil may help stabilize your moods.

Studies About the Effectiveness of CBD Oil for Anxiety

Researchers have conducted both animal studies and laboratory studies of CBD oil and its uses for anxiety. A report in the journal Neurotherapeutics noted that CBD oil shows promise many different types of anxiety disorders.

It may be helpful for the short-term treatment of conditions like panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some types of anxiety disorders cause constant or chronic symptoms.

These disorders, which include obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder might also benefit from the use of CBD oil. In a small study of 25 people, researchers reported that CBD oil was helpful in treating social anxiety disorder. In the future, scientists will need to do larger case-control studies or long-term cohort studies to determine the effectiveness and safety of long-term treatment with CBD oil.

Dose and Response of CBD Oil for Symptoms of Anxiety

In a study that was published in the Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers noted a bell curve style of response to doses of CBD oil.

This means that up to a certain point, increasing the dose of CBD oil yielded an improvement of anxiety symptoms. After a certain ideal dose was reached, the benefits decreased. Too high of a dose resulted in fewer benefits and more drawbacks.

As with SSRI medications, some patients need to have their doses adjusted until an optimal level is reached for symptom management and side effect management. This could also be the case with CBD oil.

Other Ways to Get CBD

In addition to CBD oil, there are other types of CBD infused products that allow you to experience some of the same effects of CBD for anxiety. While we recommend CBD oil (because it tends to generate the quickest results), some other popular options include CBD gummies, vaping, and creams.

These options are all great if you want to add a little variety or for some reason don’t want to use CBD oil.

Types of Anxiety CBD Oil May Help Treat

There are different types of anxiety. Some people have social anxiety, which causes them to have symptoms when they are in social situations. For instance, if they’re forced to be in large social settings or around new people, they get anxious, nervous and anxiety kicks in.

Other people have post-traumatic stress disorder, which is characterized by intermittent and severe bouts of anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder is also associated with triggers, such as loud noises or certain smells.

CBD oil might also be effective for people with generalized anxiety disorder. This type of anxiety causes people to feel edgy or worried most or all of the time. There may not be a particular cause for worry. Some people feel worried about almost everything most of the time, even if there is no clear reason for them to have those worries.

A comprehensive review of CBD use in people with different anxiety disorders showed different levels of effectiveness based on the type of anxiety disorder and its severity and inconclusive evidence on its effects on depression. The researchers noted that the use of CBD oil had some general positive effects on the study participants.

What to Know About CBD Oil Before Taking It

CBD oil is generally regarded as safe for most people to take. There are some side effects of using it, and different people may experience different levels of the side effects.

Some possible side effects of treating anxiety with CBD oil include mood changes and difficulty with sleeping. Dry mouth, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and fatigue are some of the more commonly reported side effects of taking CBD oil. Some people taking CBD oil report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or a decrease in appetite.

Less commonly, patients might have a drop in their blood pressure or an increase in their heart rate. Those effects are more common at higher doses of CBD oil. Rarely, long-term use of or high doses of CBD oil may cause an increase in ALT and AST, which are two liver enzymes. Increased levels of these liver enzymes are suggestive of possible liver damage.

Safety of CBD Oil

It is important to know that CBD oil can interact with other medications. CBD oil use may be contraindicated in people who need to take benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, antihistamines or drugs for treating seizures caused by epilepsy.

If you are currently taking medication for anxiety, it’s important to speak to your doctor before you discontinue use and start using CBD oil. Sudden cessation of anxiety medications can result in severe and sometimes dangerous effects. Therefore, it is always in your best interest to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medications.

Not all CBD oil products are correctly labeled for dosage or concentration. Some of the unregulated products also contain high quantities of THC. Ingesting THC could increase the symptoms of anxiety.

That’s why it’s crucial that you only buy CBD Oil from trusted resources. Check out our recommendations on the best CBD oil to buy to relieve anxiety, pain, and other conditions.

How Long Should You Take CBD Oil?

A common misconception is that CBD oil is a “quick fix” for anxiety. It’s not a magic pill that suddenly makes your anxiety go away. The longer you take CBD oil, the more effective it becomes as it builds up in your system.

While some people can experience almost immediate benefits, also be aware that just because you don’t experience a huge change right away, it doesn’t necessarily mean it “didn’t work”.

You should try using CBD oil for at least a few weeks to judge its effectiveness. Also, consider your dosage. If you’re using a small amount (particularly a less potent oil), you won’t experience the same results as someone who’s using a more potent product with a higher dosage. This is why it’s crucial that you only buy from reputable brands like the ones we recommend.

Hippocampal neurogenesis

The hippocampus is a major area of the brain. It is responsible for various functions of the brain, but it characterized for the role it plays in cognition and the formation — as well as storage — of long term memories.

Brain scans have shown that those who suffer from anxiety or depression have smaller hippocampi. That being the case, most doctors treat depression by stimulating the growth of neurons in the hippocampus. This process is referred to as neurogenesis.

A study conducted on mice found that regular administration of CBD could help the hippocampus regenerate more neurons, thus treating depression and anxiety. The findings by this study are important due to the fact that they show that CBD can cause neurogenesis, and as a result treat anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior.

One Last Note About CBD for Anxiety

For years, people dealing with anxiety have been faced with two primary options:

• • 1. Suffer through it
    2. Resort to prescription medication with tons of adverse side effects

Thanks to the growing popularity and acceptance of CBD and hemp, you now have a safer, natural option that’s been shown to have a real impact. If you’ve been dealing with with anxiety, depression or even high levels of stress, don’t force yourself to “deal with it” or attempt to numb your emotions through drugs (legal or illegal). Give CBD oil a try and start living the life you truly deserve, uninhibited by anxiety.