When it comes to Cannabidiol, one of the most common questions asked by new users is “can CBD help manage anxiety?” While more research is needed to definitively answer this question, find out what the research shows in our in-depth guide.
CBD has long been used by individuals seeking assistance. Anxiety is one of the ailments which people seek out assistance for. While there is no guarantee that CBD will help with anxiety, there have been promising studies to suggest it can help.
The FDA remains stalwart on the subject. They have only approved CBD for use on seizures in the form of the drug Epidiolex. Regardless of their inability to approve CBD for use to combat anxiety, there are many studies suggesting it may help.
The Legality of CBD Usage
The first thing you should know is that not every state has legalized the use of CBD products. While CBD products generally do not contain any THC, there are some that do. For this reason, it is essential for you to make sure your state does not have any laws prohibiting the use of CBD.
Other states have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational usage. If you live in a state where marijuana is only legal for medicinal usage, make sure the CBD you are using does not contain any THC, unless you are licensed to use THC. Any product not identifying whether it contains THC should not be used.
Effectiveness of CBD to Manage Anxiety
The studies regarding CBD as it relates to anxiety have been numerous over the years. A more recent study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed CBD to be effective when treating lab rats for anxiety. This includes reducing such factors as increased heart rate. How this actually affects those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) still needs further testing, but the results are hopeful.
Research conducted in 2011 and published in SAGE Journals found that those with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), showed reduced anxiety levels. In the study, participants were given an oral dose of either 400 mg of CBD or a placebo.
Frontiers in Neuroscience published a paper in which they utilize multiple studies to outline the effectiveness of CBD on patients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The studies outline the use of CBD as a standalone therapy as well as in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
In addition to research on CBD as a potential way to help alleviate anxiety, there is also an extensive amount of research on sceletium tortuosum, more commonly known as kanna, for the potential treatment of anxiety.
While research into natural ways to help treat anxiety is still in its early stages, findings thus far are quite exciting.
Treatment Utilizing CBD for Anxiety
It is possible for you to treat anxiety with CBD in many different formats. Among the most popular ways include:
- Oral tablets – CBD tablets are one of the forms in which there is a good likelihood you will have pretty much pure CBD. They are a convenient way to get your CBD on the go in a dosed format.
- CBD oil – The most popular way to take in CBD is through oil. It offers you the freedom to simply add a few drops on your food, in your coffee, or taken directly. CBD oil can also be used in oil vape pens with a refillable chamber.
- Edibles – Ever growing in popularity, edibles tend to be a pretty fun way to get your CBD. Just chew on a gummy, drink a premixed drink, or eat a cookie and you get your CBD.
- Tinctures – This is a very popular method as well. CBD tinctures are super easy to use, convenient, and fast-acting.
- Lotions – This is a very popular method for use at day spas. These lotions not only deliver CBD, but they offer you softer skin in the process. This is best for a treat as you are not likely to go to the spa every day.
Regardless of the form of CBD used, make sure to pay attention to your dosage. Once you have found a dosage to offer you the results you are looking for, stick with it, and try not to exceed that amount, so it will continue to be effective.
Only use products with the CBD content listed on the package. THC content and purity levels should be listed on the package as well. This should be from a third-party vendor to indicate the product is safe for use.
Due to the fact many people who suffer from anxiety stand by CBD as a way to treat their symptoms, you can feel safe in doing so as well. The medical community has not found any reasons why you should not utilize CBD either. Just make sure you are informing your doctor as to what your plans are, so they can discuss with you any adverse reactions to medications you are currently taking.
About the Author
Michael is a writer and content marketing strategist with 10+ years of experience currently enjoying his work at GotVape. His idea is to break some of the stereotypes people have towards health providing educational pieces. He gets motivation by doing things he always assumed he can’t do but secretly wanted to try. Work hard, challenge yourself, stay focused, take a rest, and surround yourself with good people – this is the path to a balanced life.