The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety
One of the most popular natural remedies is CBD oil derived from the cannabis or hemp plant. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid with various health benefits without causing intoxication or addiction. But how effective is CBD oil for anxiety? What are the pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety?
Depression and Anxiety
Depression and anxiety are closely related mental health disorders that often occur together. The former is identified by persistent sadness, loss of interest, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, fear, and panic.
Both conditions can affect your mood, thoughts, behavior, and physical health. The causes of depression and anxiety are complex and multifactorial. They may include genetic factors, environmental factors, psychological factors, biological factors, and social factors.
Treating depression and anxiety involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication can help reduce symptoms’ severity and frequency by altering neurotransmitters in the brain. Psychotherapy can help you cope with negative thoughts and emotions.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil contains cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid found in the cannabis or hemp plant. CBD is one of the many compounds that make up the cannabis plant, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component that causes a high.
Unlike THC, CBD has various health benefits that may include:
- Reducing inflammation
- Relieving pain
- Improving sleep quality
- Enhancing mood
- Protecting the brain
- Supporting the immune system
CBD oil comes in different strengths and concentrations depending on the amount of CBD per milliliter of oil. The power of CBD oil is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter (ml) of oil. The concentration of CBD oil refers to the percentage of CBD in the total volume of oil.
How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD oil aligns with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors and molecules that control various bodily functions, such as mood, pain, and immunity. CBD does not bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, unlike THC, which binds to CB1 receptors and causes a high.
Instead, CBD modulates the activity of these receptors by influencing the levels of endocannabinoids, which are natural cannabinoids produced by the body. CBD also interacts with other receptors and molecules involved in mood, anxiety, stress, and depression.
For example, CBD may:
- Activate the 5-HT1A receptor, a serotonin receptor subtype that mediates anxiety and stress responses.
- Inhibit the enzyme that breaks down anandamide, an endocannabinoid that enhances mood and reduces pain.
- Block the enzyme that converts glutamate to GABA, two neurotransmitters that balance excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.
- Modulate the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep-wake cycles and inflammation.
CBD for Anxiety
The evidence for CBD oil for anxiety is mostly based on animal studies, human case reports, and small-scale clinical trials. The existing studies suggest that CBD oil may have some benefits for anxiety, such as:
- Decreasing stress levels
- Reducing nervousness
- Improving relaxation
- Enhancing mood
- Lowering heart rate
- Reducing blood pressure
- Improving cognitive function
How to Use CBD Oil?
There is no standard dosage or universal guideline for using CBD oil for anxiety. The optimal dosage may vary depending on several factors, such as:
- The type and severity of your anxiety
- The strength and concentration of your CBD oil
- Your body weight
- Your metabolism
- Your tolerance
- Your genetics
You can also consult your doctor before using CBD oil for anxiety, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
To use CBD oil for anxiety, follow these steps:
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Use a dropper to measure your desired dose of CBD oil.
- Place the drops under your tongue.
Is CBD Effective for Treating Anxiety?
CBD oil may work better for some people than others, depending on their physiology, genetics, metabolism, tolerance, and severity of symptoms. It may also align with other drugs you are taking, so it is important to consult your doctor before using it.
CBD oil should be used as a complementary therapy and other treatments such as medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
A Quick Look at the Best CBD Oils for Anxiety
Many CBD oils are available on the market, but not all are created equal. When selecting a CBD oil for anxiety, some things to take into account are:
- The source and quality of the hemp
- The extraction method and purity of the CBD
- The type and spectrum of the CBD
- The potency and concentration of the CBD
- The third-party testing and lab reports
- The customer reviews and reputation of the brand
- The price and value of the product
Based on these criteria, here are some of the best CBD oils for anxiety that you can buy online:
- Best extra-strength: CBDfx Calming Tincture
- Best flavored: FOCL Premium CBD Drops
- Best isolate: CBDistillery Relief + Relax Isolate CBD Oil
- Editor’s pick: Aspen Green Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil
- Best topical: Lord Jones Royal Oil
- Best full-spectrum: Lazarus Naturals Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture
- Best vegan: Spruce CBD 750mg Lab Grade Oil
Disadvantages of CBD Oil
Most people consider CBD oil safe and well-tolerated, but it may also have some drawbacks or side effects you should be aware of before using it.
Some of the disadvantages of CBD oil are:
- It may cause drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, appetite changes, or low blood pressure.
- It may interact with other medications or supplements, increasing or decreasing their effectiveness or causing adverse reactions.
- It may not be legal in some states or countries where cannabis is prohibited or regulated. You should check your local laws before buying or using CBD oil.
- Your insurance or health plan may not cover it. You may have to pay out-of-pocket for your CBD oil products.
- It may not be standardized or regulated by the FDA or other authorities. You may need to determine what you are getting regarding quality, purity, potency, or safety.
Other Alternative Treatments for Anxiety and Depression
CBD oil is not the only natural or alternative treatment for anxiety and depression. There are many other options that you can try to help you cope with your mental health issues.
Some of them are:
- Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce stress hormones, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and promote relaxation.
- Yoga can help you stretch your muscles, improve your breathing, and balance your body and mind. It can also enhance mood, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can help you relax and uplift your mood by using essential oils that have calming or stimulating effects. You can use a diffuser, inhaler, or massage oil to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.
- Herbal remedies can help you manage your anxiety and depression by influencing your brain chemistry, hormones, or nervous system.
Round-Up: The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety
CBD oil may help you cope with your anxiety and depression by interacting with your endocannabinoid system and other receptors and molecules in your body.
CBD oil may have some benefits for concern, such as:
- Reducing stress levels
- Reducing nervousness
- Improving relaxation
- Enhancing mood
- Lowering heart rate
- Reducing blood pressure
- Improving cognitive function
However, CBD oil may also have some drawbacks or side effects. It would help if you weighed the pros and cons of CBD oil for anxiety before using it. You should also consult your doctor or a qualified cannabis clinician before using CBD oil for anxiety.
CBD oil should be used as a complementary therapy and other treatments such as medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much CBD oil should I take for anxiety?
There is no standard dosage or universal guideline for using CBD oil for anxiety. The optimal dosage may vary depending on several factors, such as the type and severity of your anxiety, the strength and concentration of your CBD oil, and other medications you’re taking.
You can consult your doctor before using CBD oil for anxiety.
How long does CBD oil take to work for anxiety?
The time it takes for CBD oil to work for anxiety may vary depending on several factors, such as the method of consumption, the dosage, the quality and type of CBD oil, and your metabolism and biochemistry.
Generally speaking, when taken orally, such as by eating or blending it into food or beverages, CBD oil can take anywhere from half an hour to two hours to take effect.
However, you can speed up the onset of CBD oil by inhaling it through a vaporizer or a device that heats it and turns it into a mist you can breathe in. This method delivers CBD oil directly into your lungs, which can instantly enter the bloodstream. It can make CBD oil work within minutes or even seconds.
Do doctors recommend CBD oil for anxiety?
The FDA does not approve CBD oil as a treatment for anxiety or any other medical condition, except for two rare forms of epilepsy. Therefore, most doctors do not prescribe or recommend CBD oil for any purpose.
However, some doctors may be aware of the potential benefits of CBD oil for anxiety and may be willing to discuss it with their patients as an alternative or complementary therapy. Some doctors may also have experience using CBD oil for anxiety or other conditions and may be able to advise their patients on dosage, safety, and quality.
Conclusion
CBD oil may help you cope with your anxiety and depression by interacting with your endocannabinoid system and other receptors and molecules in your body. It may have some benefits for concern, such as reducing stress levels.
However, CBD oil may also have some drawbacks or side effects. You should consult a qualified cannabis clinician before using CBD oil, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
