Can CBD Oil Help Stress nd Anxiety?
Some CBD users claim that CDB can help reduce stress symptoms. But are these claims accurate?
Let’s look at the scientific research and the best CBD for stress.
There is no specific treatment for stress. But talking therapy and medications like sleeping pills can help manage the symptoms of stress.
Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life – it is unavoidable.
Stress can be helpful as it boosts your attention and motivates you to reach your goals, ultimately making you happier and more fulfilled.
But a prolonged and constant feeling of stress can become a problem.
Chronic stress can trigger unwanted effects that negatively impact your physical and mental well-being if it goes untreated.
Its symptoms include tension, uneasiness, high blood pressure, and sleep problems.
Chronic stress can also lead to medical conditions like mood disorders and anxiety disorders.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of the active ingredients produced naturally by cannabis Sativa plants. Hemp and marijuana are varieties of the cannabis plant.
However, while marijuana plants produce a high level of THC and less CBD, hemp plants produce more CBD and less than 0.3% THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive compound that produces the ‘high’ and state of euphoria associated with cannabis.
CBD does not produce psychoactive effects. However, it has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as;
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stress
- Anxiety
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Farm bill legalized hemp and hemp-based products with 0.3% or less THC at a federal level.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one CBD product, Epidiolex, which contains a highly purified form of CBD for treating seizures linked to two severe forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
However, some states have put restrictions on growing, buying, and possessing CBD. Therefore, you should check your state and local laws.
Does CBD Help Relieve Stress?
While Research into the benefits of CBD is still ongoing, its use as a potential treatment for a range of conditions has increased.
Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products are commonly used to relieve conditions such as;
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Sciatica
- Anxiety-related disorders
It’s no wonder that people are considering CBD a natural alternative to stress medication
Unfortunately, no one is immune to the harmful effects of daily stress.
This state of mind is extremely widespread, with 75% of people in the United States suffering from moderate to high-stress levels.
Unfortunately, no one is immune to the harmful effects of daily stress. This state of mind is extremely widespread, with 75% of people in the United States suffering from moderate to high-stress levels.
About half of all Americans report that their stress symptoms have worsened over the past five years.
CBD And Stress Receptors
Pre-clinical evidence strongly supports CBD as a potential treatment for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and stress.
CBD produces its effects by influencing the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
This interaction helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which can lower stress and anxiety levels.
CBD produces its effects by influencing the receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS). This interaction helps promote a sense of calm and relaxation, which can lower stress and anxiety levels.
Animal studies have also shown that CBD can dampen stress response and protect against chronic stress.
This makes it a promising medicine for preventing or treating certain stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Increase Brain Function - Reduce Stress
CBD oil can also work wonders to improve brain function by mitigating the harmful effects of stress and inflammation in the body.
By reducing inflammation, CBD increases blood flow to the brain, which reduces brain fog and improves mental clarity.
CBD is yet to be approved as a treatment for mental health conditions like stress as more research is still needed to thoroughly evaluate its effects and benefits.
What Research Says About CBD For StressTreatment?
Research into the benefits of CBD for stress is still in its early days.
However, there is evidence from several clinical studies that CBD may have beneficial effects in patients with mental health conditions linked to stress.
A 2020 review analyzed more than 70 studies published between 2019 and 2020 evaluating the effects of CBD oil on several mental conditions such as;
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Dementia
The researchers concluded that CBD positively impacted these conditions and is a promising treatment for stress and anxiety.
- Take a look at the Best CBD For Anxiety
Therapeutic Effects Of CBD
In another 2020 study, the researchers evaluated the therapeutic effects of CBD on cerebral blood flow and memory in 15 participants.
The results of the study identified the potential mechanism of high doses of CBD for multiple conditions linked to altered memory processing, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia.
A separate 2020 study involved 33 clinically high-risk (CHR) patients with psychosis.
Half of the patients were given a 600mg dose of CBD per day. The results provided preliminary evidence for the effects of CBD on acute stress in CHR patients.
There is evidence that CBD can help people experiencing stress.
However, it’s important to note that research is still in its early stages, and more human studies are still needed.
CBD as A Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Some people find that oral CBD products help relieve anxiety throughout the day. While there is some research supporting this benefit, the exact way CBD treats anxiety is not fully understood.
As mentioned above, CBD produces its effects by influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our ECS. It is thought to alter serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in your mental health, influencing your mood, behavior, and sleep.
Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and anxiety.
Research has found that increasing serotonin levels can help alleviate anxiety.
Low serotonin is conventionally treated with antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which are only available as prescription medications.
Some studies suggest that CBD can work in a similar way as antidepressants, helping treat anxiety.
What Does Research Say About CBD for Anxiety?
There is evidence from several studies that CBD may have beneficial effects on anxiety.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) notes that CBD is a promising treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. It was shown to help lower stress levels and behavioral signs of anxiety in rat models.
The researchers also observed an improvement in the physiological symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate.
CBD And Social Anxiety
People with social anxiety disorder may also benefit from CBD, according to a 2011 study. The participants were given 400mg oral CBD or a placebo.
Those who consumed CBD reported reduced anxiety symptoms.
In a 2015 review of many studies, CBD was shown to help with panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
CBD Dosage For Anxiety
There is no recommended dosage of CBD for anxiety. Hence, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor to recommend how much CBD is ideal for your symptoms.
During a 2018 study, the participants were given 300mg of CBD 90 minutes before undergoing a simulated public speaking test.
The participants were observed to have reduced anxiety levels. The subjects who received 600mg of CBD experienced little benefits, and the same was true for those who received 150mg.
Because this was a small study involving only 57 participants, more well-organized studies are still needed to determine an effective dosage of CBD for anxiety.
CBD for Depression - Does It Help?
Depression, like stress, is a common mental health condition that can have debilitating effects on your health, social life, and general well-being.
Research into the potential benefits of CBD for depression has increased in recent years. And the results look promising.
While depression is commonly treated with pharmaceutical drugs, evidence from initial studies shows that CBD is an effective treatment for depression with negligible to no side effects.
Research done in 2014 found that CBD can help treat depression by influencing the serotonin receptors in the brain.
A 2014 review of many studies note that CBD acts as an antidepressant and antianxiety compound in animal models.
Generally, research into CBD for depression is limited and mainly conducted on animal models. Therefore, more research on humans is required.
5 Factors to Consider When Buying The Best CBD for Stress
Here are 5 important things to consider when buying CBD for stress:
1. Source of the CBD
The source of your CBD can determine its purity and quality.
In other words, the roots of hemp plants dig deep into the soil and absorb beneficial nutrients as well as harmful chemicals.
The contaminants are then stored in hemp flowers, leaves, stalk, and stems, from where CBD is extracted.
As such, you should only purchase CBD extracted from organically grown hemp plants.
2. The Extraction Process
The extraction process is another factor to consider when buying CBD for stress.
There are many methods to extract CBD from organic hemp plants, some of which can leave harmful contaminants in the hemp CBD extract.
Today, carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is the most popular and efficient extraction method, leaving behind highly pure and safe CBD extract.
3. Consider The THC Levels
There are three main types of CBD on the market;
- CBD Isolate
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD
CBD isolate contains only pure CBD without any other plant compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all plant compounds, including terpenes, minerals, vitamins, and cannabinoids like CBC and CBN.
- Take a closer look at CBD vs CBC
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the same compounds as broad-spectrum CBD plus less than 0.3% THC.
Although the trace amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil cannot trigger a high or feelings of euphoria, it significantly contributes to the entourage effect.
4. CBD Potency
CBD potency refers to the strength of CBD oil. Not all CBD oils are made with the same potency.
For instance, an extract labeled 300mg CBD is only half as strong as the same amount of extract labeled 600mg CBD.
CBD potency (mg of CBD) determines the strength of CBD effects.
Although the trace amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil cannot trigger a high or feelings of euphoria, it significantly contributes to the entourage effect.
CBD oil is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fat rather than water.
Hence, it is often mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil, or MCT oil to improve its bioavailability, helping your body absorb the oil better.
5. Third-Party Lab Results
CBD manufacturers must send a small sample of their CBD oil to an independent third-party laboratory to test CBD concentration and ensure there are no traces of contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals.
The best products have a QR code you can scan with your phone.
All you need to do is take a picture of the QR code. This will direct you to the lab test results, which shows the purity and quality of your product.
On top of the factors discussed above, you should also consider the product’s price and brand reputation.
While low prices may seem like a good deal, you may end up receiving poor-quality products.
On the other hand, you may spend a lot of money on substandard CBD products.
Hence, you should go through the CBD company’s website and read their reviews/testimonials.
A company that delivers high-quality products will get positive reviews and testimonials.
The 4 Best CBD Products for Stress
CBD can be used in different ways, the main ones being;
- CBD oils and tinctures
- CBD gummies and edibles
- CBD capsules and pills
- CBD topicals such as lotions, balms, and creams
Below we have provided a list of the best CBD types for stress:
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oil is a popular consumption method. Manufacturers direct users to consume the formula using a dropper to place a few CBD oil drops under the tongue and then swallow.
The CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, providing fast and highly potent stress relief.
Consistent usage is essential to get the most benefits from your CBD oil.
Using CBD routinely helps your ECS to regulate your body’s response to CBD, resulting in a greater beneficial impact.
Beginners can start with lower doses of 5 or 10mg CBD.
CBD Capsules and Pills
CBD capsules and pills are one of the most discreet ways to consume CBD oil.
They are best for those who do not like the bitter taste of CBD oil or are reluctant to take CBD edibles.
They come in a pre-measured dosage, making it easy to consume an accurate amount of CBD.
Note that there are multiple types of capsules, including gel capsules, solid capsules, and powder capsules.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are common with athletes and people with an active lifestyle.
Topicals are applied directly on the skin and are known for;
- Pain-relieving effects
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Stress-reducing capabilities
The most popular topicals include creams, salves, balms, lotions, and ointments.
Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are an excellent way to promote relaxation. As it turns out, submergence in warm water can help improve blood circulation and calm your nervous system.
This helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving your mood.
Adding a CBD bath bomb into the bathtub can enhance the benefits of your warm bath.
The essential oils in CBD bath bombs promote relaxation and help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while the CBD offers calming and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Does CBD For Stress Cause Side Effects?
Pure CBD is safe and generally well-tolerated by the human body.
However, some people have reported mild side effects like fatigue, changes in appetite, and drowsiness.
CBD can also interact with other drugs, such as warfarin, opioids, and antidepressants.
We would always recommend that you check with your healthcare provider before introducing CBD, especially alongside existing medications.
- Find out exactly How CBD Interacts With Zoloft
CBD For Stress - The Bottom Line
CBD has gained a lot of popularity as a natural way to manage medical conditions like migraines, inflammation, and pain.
While research on the effects of CBD for stress is still ongoing, the results gathered so far are promising.
CBD is well tolerated by the body with negligible to no side effects. However, CBD oil is largely unregulated, and some products may be mislabeled.
The best thing to do is to familiarize yourself with your state laws and consider the factors discussed in this article before buying CBD for stress or anxiety.
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