While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) often garners criticism for its intoxicating and anxiety-inducing effects, cannabidiol (CBD) can actually help reduce anxiety. Research supports this, with many studies showing how CBD can help with different types of anxiety. In fact, a recent survey found that 51% of Americans who use CBD do so to help with their anxiety.
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But it’s important to know that CBD isn’t officially approved as an anxiety medication yet. So, it’s best to talk to a doctor who knows about using cannabis before trying CBD for anxiety. Here’s what science says about how CBD can help with anxiety, along with some tips on what constitutes anxiety.
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What Exactly is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body’s normal reaction to stress. It is how the body reacts when you feel threatened, and without this intuition, you wouldn’t know when you’re in danger, or when you need to address an urgent situation in your life.
For example, if you’re starting a new job, waiting for some test results, or driving through bad weather, you might feel anxious. This is completely normal, and it is your body’s way of indicating that what you’re worrying about is important.
It is also important to note that there are different categories of anxiety. The three most common forms are Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
A person suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder is usually under constant feelings of stress for at least six months. Such a person constantly feels that they can’t control their worries, or gets worked up a lot about money, health, family, or work. Sometimes, just getting through the day can make them anxious.
GAD has both physical and mental symptoms. Examples include:
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Getting tired easily
- Tense muscles or body aches
- Fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, or dizziness
- Gastric problems like nausea or diarrhea
- Continuous trembling
- Insomnia, or sometimes, waking up fatigued
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder occurs when you suffer sudden, recurring panic attacks, that are characterized by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
The main difference between panic disorder and regular anxiety is that the associated panic attacks happen quickly and last a few minutes, while regular anxiety builds up over time.
Some symptoms of panic disorder include:
- Pounding heartbeat
- Sweating profusely
- Shaking or trembling
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Social anxiety disorder occurs in social situations, where one might constantly develop the phobia of being judged. This is a condition that lasts for at least six months and is more common in girls and teenagers.
Symptoms might include:
- Being anxious about being in a social situation where others might judge you
- Being shy or keeping to yourself in social situations
- Sweating
- Not saying much about yourself during conversations
- Shaking or trembling
- Body stiffness
- Not making good eye contact
It is important to note that having anxiety or being told you have an anxiety disorder, doesn’t mean that you are psychologically weak. However, suffering from constant anxiety can be a sign that you need to address the situation.
Feeling scared or worried is normal, but if those feelings stick around, they can get worse over time.
The Role of CBD in Countering Anxiety: What Studies Say
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any CBD medications for anxiety yet. However, many studies suggest that it can help reduce anxiety.
CBD to Counter Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A study in 2011 looked at how CBD affected people with generalized anxiety disorder and others in a control group who were anxious about giving a speech. The results showed that CBD helped the participants suffering from GAD feel less anxious.
Another study carried out in 2019 tested different amounts of CBD on men who were nervous about giving a speech. They found that 300 milligrams of CBD helped most of them remain calm.
In another study undertaken in 2019, researchers used much lower doses of CBD than in other studies—some people only took 25 or 50 milligrams a day. Most of the participants felt less anxious within the first month, and their sleep patterns improved too. Only a few of them encountered side effects.
CBD to Counter Anxiety and Depression
A study in 2020 investigated how CBD oil helped about 400 subjects who were suffering from different health problems. People with pain or mental health issues felt less anxious and depressed, and they were able to do more of their day-to-day activities.
CBD to Counter Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Phobia Therapy
A small study in 2019 found that when people took CBD during their regular phobia therapy, their PTSD symptoms got better.
Some studies also conclude that CBD can help make exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy work better.
How to Use CBD for Anxiety
Since there’s no official advice from the FDA, it is best to find a method that works for you. You can try CBD in these forms:
- Oils and tinctures
- Gummies
- Vapes
- Sprays
- Capsules, soft gels, or tablets
- Flower
- Creams and gels
We recommend that you try out a few different forms to see which one helps your anxiety the most. You’ll also need to find the right dose of CBD for your condition.
It’s best to start small and go from there.
Risks and Side Effects of CBD for Anxiety
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that CBD is safe for most people. However, combining CBD with other medications could cause problems. Potential side effects include gaining weight, stomach upset, dizziness, or changes in your appetite.
A Recap of Whether CBD Can Help With Anxiety
In this article, we’ve found that while THC may come with anxiety-related drawbacks, CBD shows promise in countering anxiety. With 51% of Americans using CBD for anxiety relief, its potential is evident. Remember, it’s always important to consult your doctor before trying CBD.
If you want to learn more, you can contact us directly, or explore some of our CBD products at Enspire Brands to see if they’re right for you.
