CBD products and supplements have become all the rage recently and are being hailed as an effective treatment for various physical and mental conditions. With its growing popularity, CBD has managed to find its way into almost everything, including foods, balms, pills, drinks, and a ton of other products.
The good news is that studies are now proving that CBD capsules and other products can help with chronic pain and inflammation, but can CBD help with mental disorders such as anxiety?
What is CBD?
CBD is the short name for cannabidiol, one of many chemicals found in plants in the Cannabis Sativa family. Marijuana and hemp are two members of this plant family, but hemp plants contain a much lower amount of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC is the chemical responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana. Cannabidiol is not psychoactive and does not cause a high that’s typically associated with cannabis use.
About CBD Capsules:
CBD capsules are designed to be taken orally and are delivered into the bloodstream through the digestive system. While some capsules and pills may be designed for a specific use, you should always speak to a doctor or healthcare provider before taking any CBD supplement to treat any ailments and become aware of side effects and potential complications. It’s essential to keep in mind that the FDA does not regulate CBD products in the same way drugs and prescription medications.
In addition, CBD pills and capsules often contain other ingredients to complement the effects of cannabidiol.
Can CBD Help With Anxiety?
CBD is proving to be effective in treating anxiety, but more studies are needed to determine an effective dosage amount and if CBD effectively treats various anxiety disorders. Besides dosage, the quality of the CBD also plays an essential role in how effective it will be in helping to relieve anxiety, so it’s crucial to choose a quality brand that has a good reputation for effectiveness when choosing a CBD to help ease anxiety.
Users of CBD products report lower stress levels with frequent use, and studies have shown that 300 to 600 mg of CBD can reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder. While that’s promising news, more research will be needed to help consumers determine the best dosage and type of CBD products to use to treat their anxiety.
CBD and Stress:
CBD products won’t make stressful situations disappear, but using CBD capsules for stress reduction can help you relax and handle stress better. CBD can also help your body combat the effects of cortisol, a hormone released in stressful situations, by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Some studies also show that CBD can help lower stress by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.
Side Effects and Other Risks of CBD:
There have been few reported side effects associated with taking CBD. Still, it’s important to note that CBD can interact with medications used to prevent blood clots, opioids, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and a few other medications, so it’s crucial to see a healthcare professional before taking any CBD products.
It’s also important to note that consumers who used CBD products that were close to 100 percent pure experienced drowsiness, tiredness, diminished appetite, insomnia, and diarrhea. All the hype surrounding CBD is cause for excitement, but that excitement must be tempered with research and time. The research on the effectiveness of CBD for treating anxiety is still in its infancy stage, and much more research and studies are needed to prove CBD is a viable treatment for anxiety.
