Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that’s found in the cannabis plant. CBD is different from TCH, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis that produces the “high” that’s generally associated with recreational marijuana use. CBD does not cause this high and is less likely to cause the side effects that often come with it. In recent years, CBD products have been used to treat and relieve the symptoms associated with a variety of issues including inflammation, insomnia and nausea.
However, one of the most popular uses for CBD oil is in the management of anxiety. In Australia, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, affecting 1 in 4 Australians during their life.
But how does CBD work and how effective is it in treating anxiety? Below, we’ll answer all those questions and more, and examine what we know about CBD today and what the future could hold for its use in the treatment of anxiety, depression and many more conditions that affect millions of people around the globe.
To understand how CBD can be used to treat anxiety, it’s important to understand how it affects our bodies. It’s believed that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, specifically impacting the CB1 and CB2 receptors mainly found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
While the way that CBD affects the CB receptors isn’t completely understood, it’s been suggested that it could alter the serotonin signals we produce. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and plays a large part in our mental health. Having low serotonin levels is believed to contribute to both depression and anxiety, and to treat this one generally needs a prescription for a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
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How CBD Works
Unfortunately, side effects are common with SSRIs. One study found that almost 40% of patients on an SSRI experienced side effects, most commonly weight gain, drowsiness and loss of libido.
Studies on CBD & Anxiety
Much research has gone into how CBD can be used to manage anxiety, although more clarity is needed on just how effective it is. However, early results have been promising, suggesting that CBD interacts with the CB1 receptor, the serotonin receptor, and other receptors that regulate feelings of fear and anxiety.
This same study also found that CBD can successfully treat anxiety disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Another study in New Zealand in 2020 was conducted on participants suffering from a range of medical conditions, such as cancer-related symptoms, mental health issues and neurological disorders. After three weeks of being on CBD, all groups reported an improvement in their quality of life and reduced physical and mental symptoms.
These results are all highly promising, and studies are continuing to be conducted to further understand how CBD can be used to treat anxiety and other mental health problems.
What Else Can It Treat?
In addition to anxiety, much research is being done on a range of medical conditions that CBD can help to treat and manage. While it’s early days, CBD has been used to treat health conditions such as:
- Addiction
- Sleep insomnia
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy
- Inflammation
- Cancer-related symptoms
- Nausea
- ALS symptoms
- Diabetic complications
- Arthritis
- Neurological diseases
It’s important to note that nothing definitive has been proven about CBDs’ effectiveness in treating these conditions, and you should always consult with your doctor before making the decision to attempt to do so. As many of the studies conducted into the use of CBD to treat these conditions have been done on animals, more human trials are needed before we can concretely say how effective or safe it is.
How to Take It
CBD comes in many forms, meaning that you can take your pick and take it just about any way you please. The most popular way to take CBD is using CBD oil, as it’s easiest to control your dosage and remain safe and in control especially as a beginner.
CBD oil can be added to food, smoothies, coffee, or even directly onto your tongue if you want it to reach your bloodstream as quickly as possible. There are plenty of recipes out there to help you make delicious snacks or drinks with CBD in them, with healthy ingredients that will help you get the absolute best out of the experience.
CBD can also be applied topically via balms or creams. Although these are generally used by those looking for pain relief in their muscles or joints or to treat skin conditions like acne, many find that applying CBD balms can help relieve stress or anxiety and promote feelings of calmness and serenity.
Side Effects
Although CBD oil is generally considered to be safe, a number of side effects can occur. These can include:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhoea
They can also interact with other medications you may be taking, specifically blood thinners. To find out if it’s safe to combine CBD with your medication, consult with your doctor. It’s also important to be wary of the withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking your current medications, such as irritability and dizziness.
More and more studies are suggesting that CBD has the potential to be a safe, effective and natural alternative to modern medications, with fewer side effects and withdrawals. However, it’s important that, before purchasing, you understand the laws regarding CBD in your state or territory. The laws regarding CBD can be quite complex, especially when THC is part of the equation, so make sure you do your due diligence. Additionally, more research is required into just how effective its impact can be, so again you should always consult with your doctor before making any final decisions.
