How to Use CBD for Anxiety

Anxiety is a condition that afflicts millions of people. There are different types of anxiety, and medications exist to help patients lead healthier lives. CBD is often considered a natural compound that in some cases can reduce anxiety. As its popularity continues to grow, with people using it for various conditions, including anxiety. The question still remains among many, does CBD for anxiety worth it? If yes, then how to use CBD for anxiety? 

Here is an overview of how to use the cannabinoid and other essential details you should know before trying CBD.

What IS CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating substance that supports wellness. The human body produces endocannabinoids that enable it to regulate various functions. Plants like hemp also have cannabinoids like CBD, which may boost the body’s performance in carrying out various roles. The more surprising fact is that CBD initially interacts with our endocannabinoid system and helps maintain balance in the body to reduce symptoms of anxiety. 

Why Use CBD to Ease Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental problem that affects millions of people. While some experience anxiety occasionally, others have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders that need treatment. Types of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Anxiety can lead to focus difficulties and disrupts sleep. While anxiety medications exist, they can have harsh side effects that many do not want to deal with. Reducing anxiety symptoms is one of the reasons people are using CBD. Customer feedback has users saying CBD helps them relax and calm down when feeling anxious. CBD is generally considered safe, and most users tolerate it. Besides, CBD is not addictive and has no adverse side effects compared to other medications.

In addition, there are several growing pieces of evidence have been found which show CBD’s potential effects on anxiety. One small study established that CBD may alleviate social anxiety disorder during public speaking. A 2019 study involving 11 patients discovered that oral CBD used with routine psychiatric care reduced the severity of PTSD. Another 2019 research used 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg daily doses of CBD on participants. Experts found that CBD lowered anxiety in the first month for most participants. Nevertheless, more studies on CBD for anxiety are needed to establish a solid link between CBD and reduced anxiety levels.

How to Use CBD for Anxiety

After witnessing CBD’s effectiveness, we are pretty sure that most of you might want to know how to use CBD to ease your anxiety, right? Well, you need to consider several things before using CBD:

You can use CBD for anxiety in different forms, including oil and tinctures, edibles, CBD hemp flower, beverages, and topicals.

• CBD Oil and Tinctures: these are popular liquid forms of CBD. To use this, all you need to administer a few drops under the tongue and wait a few seconds before swallowing. The best CBD oil for anxiety is made from organic hemp and undergoes third-party testing for cannabinoids and impurities like heavy metals and pesticides. Always use such oils sourced from trusted brands in order to avoid counterfeit or low-quality oils that aren’t good for anxiety at all.
• Edibles: you can also use CBD edibles to ease anxiety. They include gummies, chocolates, and savory snacks, which contain pre-measured amounts of CBD.
• Smokable CBD Hemp Flower: smoking CBD hemp flower is another way to use CBD for anxiety. This method delivers CBD quickly into your system in 3-5minutes.
• Beverages: brands also offer CBD beverages such as energy drinks. These provide additional, easy ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine.
• Topicals: CBD topicals help with muscle soreness and joint pain, providing localized relief. Conditions like chronic pain can cause anxiety, and CBD topicals can help with the discomfort, leading to lower anxiety.

CBD has several types, including broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate. Isolate CBD contains CBD only and no other hemp element, while full-spectrum CBD has various hemp components, including CBD, minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and 0.3% THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBC but no THC.

So, before using, it’s best to choose the types of CBD. Moreover, according to research, it was suggested that full-spectrum CBD might be ideal for anxiety disorders and other conditions as the effects of cannabidiol are maximized by the synergy with other cannabinoids.

Ensure you adhere to CBD dosage guidelines when using CBD for anxiety. There is no universal CBD dose for all. Finding the right dose for you calls for some experimentation. Experts recommend starting with a low dose and adjusting slowly to get a suitable CBD dosage for your body. Some CBD studies for anxiety used low doses ranging from 25mg to 75mg, while others used higher doses of 150-600mg.

Both low and higher CBD amounts caused improved anxiety. CBD doses are another aspect that needs extensive research to indent the CBD amounts for users to utilize.

Other factors also affect the CBD dose people use. They include body weight, metabolism, CBD concentration, and severity of symptoms. A heavier person may need more CBD to relieve anxiety. Our bodies’ metabolism also varies. People who metabolize products faster may require higher doses of CBD to feel the effects. CBD potency also matters when it comes to doses, and severe anxiety may need more CBD. Nonetheless, researchers also need to consider CBD amounts for different conditions.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of CBD

High-quality CBD is safe and does not endanger your health. Most users tolerate the cannabinoid well. However, CBD interacts with some prescription drugs, including blood thinners, antihistamines, and antidepressants.

It changes how the medications work in the body, affecting their effectiveness. Ensure you speak to a doctor before using CBD for anxiety if you are on medication or have another health condition. Moreover, buy the best CBD products for anxiety to protect your health.

 CBD also has rare side effects, including diarrhea, fatigue, drowsiness, nausea, and weight and appetite changes. These effects are much fewer than those of some medications. Besides, they are rare and more likely to occur if you use high doses of CBD.

Alternatives of CBD for Anxiety

CBD still needs more research to provide solid evidence that it can help with anxiety. Medication and psychotherapy are proven ways to manage anxiety. Doctors prescribe drugs to help patients with different anxiety disorders handle the symptoms.

Despite the different anxiety types, they have common symptoms such as restlessness, increased heart rate, and difficulty focusing. Anxiety also disrupts healthy sleep. Psychotherapy helps anxiety patients identify triggers and learn how to manage them for healthier lives. It helps to get the root cause of the anxiety disorder a person is experiencing.

Final Thoughts

CBD may alleviate anxiety. Research suggests it has relaxing benefits that soothe anxiety for a healthier life. You can use CBD for anxiety in different forms, including oil, edibles, hemp flower, and topicals. Ensure you follow the dosage recommendations and buy the best CBD products on the market from reliable brands. Always consult a doctor before using CBD if you are on medication or have a health condition.

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