How CBD Helps With Anxiety?

CBD Helping With AnixietyArticle by Dr. Benny's

CBD and other extracts of the cannabis plant have gained popularity. Surprisingly CBD has the potential for helping with various physical and neurological health conditions. Enthralling fact about CBD is that it is non-psychoactive. That’s why CBD is being stocked on every food store shelf.

People tend to use CBD products due to mental health benefits. Unlike THC, CBD is non-toxic and does not produce euphoric effects, commonly associated with the cannabis plant. Besides various other health problems, people also use CBD as an Antidepressant as it promises to alleviate anxiety symptoms. But does CBD really help with anxiety?

Our body has several receptors that respond to stimuli for body function. When we ingest CBD, it interacts with CB1 & CB2 receptors for balancing the nervous system.

Anxiety is a crippling mental issue that impacts all aspects of life. People suffering from anxiety want to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by using CBD products. With the legalization of medical marijuana, psychiatrists may recommend CBD for anxiety..

CBD may prove beneficial to lower down the symptoms and help people to achieve a healthy life. According to a cross-sectional study of CBD users, 36% of anxiety patients are treating themselves well.

Barriers to Treatment:

Most anxiety sufferers may be hesitant to treat themselves. Some barriers to treatment may be:

  • Lack of awareness
  • Personal choice
  • Financial issues
  • Shame

How Does CBD Help Improve Anxiety?

Bag of CBD

CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids of the naturally occurring Cannabis Sativa plant. It is the second most effective derivative of the cannabis plant and comprises almost 40% of the cannabis extract.

You might be acquainted with the THC compound that has psychoactive effects. In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive and won't allow people to feel high. Cannabidiol interacts with Serotonin; it doesn't increase the Serotonin level; instead, it influences how the brain responds to already present neurotransmitters.

CBD might have anti-stress effects as reducing stress level can contribute to anxiety & depression.

Our mood depends upon the surrounding environment and life condition. Brain activity and genetics play a pivotal role in making a person happier. The endocannabinoid system of the body regulates mood and brings happiness. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to stimulate the CB1 & CB2 receptors.

ECS can improve:

  • Mood
  • Metabolism
  • Motor control
  • Learning
  • Ability to cope with stressors
  • State of mind
  • Fatigue

Besides, CBD may be beneficial to eliminate social anxiety if you or your loved ones suffering from social anxiety and depression can intake CBD products. Several CBD products in the market are available with different dosages of other cannabinoids.

Due to stress and anxiety, the level of GABA in the brain increases, leading to unpleasant symptoms. CBD may modulate the concentration of GABA so the body functions properly. Also, it is thought that CBD products positively influence the mood of a person.

Are CBD Products an Effective Treatment?

Numerous people worldwide use CBD as an alternative to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder. Several pieces of research prove the effectiveness and potential benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids.

A study of CBD users shows that 62% of people use Cannabidiol to treat anxiety, depression, and pain relief.

    CBD VS Antidepressants:

    How will you compare CBD to traditional antidepressant? Though it is not easy to figure out the potential benefits of Cannabidiol, some research shows the positive impacts of CBD on mental health and wellness.

    A study in 2018 shows the neurological effects of CBD. Cannabidiol has fast action as an antidepressant and anti-anxiety. However, some traditional antidepressant may take some time to start working.

    CBD has fewer side effects than other antidepressants and will not change your appetite and sexual desire.

    How Should You Consume CBD For Anxiety?

    Various CBD products are available that can mitigate the symptoms of anxiety. If you are curious to know the consumption methods of CBD products, read on.

    Tinctures & Oil:

    One of the quickest and accurate ways to consume CBD is tinctures and oils. CBD oil contains other carrier oils such as hemp oil & coconut oil that enhance its functioning. Oral ingestion of CBD drops directly enters the bloodstream to regulate the mood. Sublingual CBD oil comes with a dropper, and it works within 30 minutes of ingestion.

    CBD Edibles:

    You can add CBD edibles to your food items. Some most common CBD edible products are:

    • Gummies
    • Capsules
    • Chocolates

    Before using a CBD product, make sure to check whether it is isolate or Full-spectrum. The Full-spectrum contains other cannabinoids that are more effective.

    The Bottom Line:

    According to the World health organization and current shreds of evidence, CBD is the safest to use. It has fewer adverse effects on human health & wellness. If you suffer from anxiety and depression, you can incorporate CBD as an antidepressant into your lifestyle. .

    However, before using CBD products, consult a doctor about using CBD, which CBD product is best to use. Also, make sure to check the possible medication interaction.

    References:

    1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml
    2. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30014038/
    4. Sales AJ, Crestani CC, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL. The antidepressant-like effect induced by Cannabidiol is dependent on brain serotonin levels. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol, Psychiatry. 2018;86:255‐261. doi:10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.002
    5. Crippa JA, Guimarães FS, Campos AC, Zuardi AW. Translational investigation of the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD): toward a new age. Front Immunol. 2018;9:2009. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2018.02009
    6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
    7. https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
    8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/ 
    9. Sales AJ, Fogaça MV, Sartim AG, et al. Cannabidiol induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects through increased BDNF signalling and synaptogenesis in the prefrontal cortex. Mol Neurobiol 56, 1070–1081 (2019). doi:10.1007/s12035-018-1143-4
    10. World Health Organization. Cannabidiol (CBD). Published November 2017.
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