CBD and Anxiety
If you struggle with anxiety, you know how much this emotion can overtake your life. Feelings of anxiety can seemingly come out of nowhere and be completely paralyzing. It is also an emotion that you often can’t just wish or reason away. Nearly 40 million people in the U.S. alone struggle with an anxiety disorder and less than 40% receive treatment. Whether you are feeling more stressed out than usual or you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, adding CBD to your daily regimen could provide some relief.
Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is a natural emotion that we all experience and is necessary for human survival. However, an anxiety disorder is characterized by anxious feelings or thoughts that are often out of proportion and intrusive. Often those who have a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will experience physical symptoms as well such as high blood pressure and nausea.
Symptoms of AnxietyThose with GAD may experience other symptoms like:
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Other Anxiety DisordersOther disorders associated with or categorized as an anxiety disorder include:
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Effects of AnxietyAnxiety can also have an effect on one’s health. Anxiety can cause your brain to release stress hormones on a regular basis which can lead to other short-term and long-term health consequences:
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CBD & Anxiety: How Can CBD Help Me Feel Better?
CBD has been seen through studies and anecdotal evidence to help lessen the feelings and the effects of anxiety on the body and mind. CBD interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors of our body’s endocannabinoid system and may alter serotonin signals. However, it is still yet unknown how CBD interacts with the CB1 receptors of the brain. Though the means of how CBD works to help with anxiety are yet unknown, anecdotal evidence suggests that CBD may help those with anxiety find relief.
CBD Versus THC For Anxiety
CBD extracted from hemp plants is completely legal within all 50 states as a result of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, and is regulated to have only trace amounts of THC — less than 0.03%. This minimal amount of THC can not get you high. What’s more, studies have shown that in some cases THC can make anxiety in some individuals worse. However, because CBD interacts with the body differently than THC, it can provide potential therapeutic benefits.
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How to Use CBD To Help With Anxiety
CBD can be easily integrated into your daily life to potential help alleviate feelings of anxiety:
- Mix dosage of CBD oil into your morning and/or evening coffee, tea, smoothie, or workout drink
- Take a dosage under your tongue to be absorbed
