CBD Oil for Anxiety: What You Need to Know

In the past few years, Cannabidiol (CBD) was able to beat the stigma associated with cannabis (better known as marijuana or hemp plant). Despite the controversy linked with Cannabidiol (CBD) due to the recreational use of marijuana, there’s been a growing awareness of the possible health benefits of CBD Oil, especially in soothing daily worries. Others, however, use it to treat more serious conditions such as anxiety disorders.  

Unlike its cousin Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, another type of cannabinoid), CBD Oil does not cause the “high” or feelings of intoxication associated with cannabis. But how does it really work in treating serious medical conditions like anxiety disorder? Is it the right treatment for you?

CBD Oil for Anxiety: How it interacts with the mind and body

There are many different types of receptors distributed all over the human body. They are protein-based chemical structures found in the cells and tissues, and they help control almost all organs in the body. They are sensing molecules or elements that send signals to the cell to elicit specific physiological changes or reactions. They receive various signals from different stimuli. 

Studies suggest that full-spectrum CBD Oil interacts with the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are both found mostly in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. It is still unclear how CBD Oil affects the brain’s CB1 receptors, but studies show it may change signals of serotonin.

Commonly known as the happy hormone, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a huge role in one’s mental health. Low levels of serotonin are attributed to depression. In some cases, it is linked to anxiety. 

With that said, low-level serotonin is treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), which is only available through prescription. The common medications in the market right now are Prozac (fluoxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline). 

The advent of research in full-spectrum CBD Oil suggests that it may be able to manage anxiety disorder better than SSRI. However, as with any other medications, it’s best to talk to your doctor about any changes you wish to make. 

Research and Evidence

There are multiple scientific studies that support the supposed health benefits of the best CBD Oil for anxiety.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a condition in which the patient suffers from excessive worry about many areas of their life, with symptoms lasting for six months or more.

The exact cause of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is unknown, but doctors believe it may be related to an imbalance of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain.

Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable when unable to engage in worry, and experiencing muscle tension or restlessness. Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the most common anxiety disorder in the U.S., affecting 6.8 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (about 3% of the population), but only 40% seek treatment for their condition due to embarrassment or fear that others will judge them.

In June of 2015, the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) published a paper about the biological and potential therapeutic effects of CBD Oil Products. Initial research showed a reduction of anxiety and stress in animals such as rats. 

The study showed CBD’s therapeutic efficacy in a range of animal models, including reduction of behavioral and physiological (heart rate) signs of stress and anxiety. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing an extreme trauma. About 7 to 8% of people experience PTSD in their lifetime, with women being more likely than men to develop the condition due to higher rates of exposure to violence and other traumas. Symptoms include depression, changes in thought patterns, feeling distant from others, and being overly emotional.

Doctors have been able to successfully treat PTSD with antidepressants such as Zoloft and Paxil, but some patients do not respond well to these medications. Now they can also use ketamine, a powerful and fast-acting drug that has been used to sedate patients during surgery.

When given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously), ketamine works within minutes and can even be used as an alternative to anesthesia prior to surgery. Patients who take the drug report feelings of confusion or detachment from their surroundings. Some of the side effects of ketamine include dizziness, nausea, and a "wobbly gait."

Research has shown that ketamine is a safe drug for treating PTSD in doses below those used during surgery. In one study , the most common side effect was temporary feelings of dissociation or disconnectedness from reality.

Other forms of Anxiety Disorders 

In 2011, the Journal of Psychopharmacology published a report on the neural basis of CBD’s anxiolytic effects for generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD). Study subjects were given either a 400mg oral dose of CBD or a placebo. Those who received the full-spectrum CBD Oil showed an overall reduction in levels of anxiety. For other forms of anxiety CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) . There are different types Trusted Source of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder , phobia-related disorders , and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) , which affects 6.8 million adults in the United States.

There are also many studies that support the benefits of CBD Oil for anxiety and treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In 2018, Rafael M. Bitencourt and Reinaldo N. Takahashi from the University of South Santa Catarina, Tubarão, Brazil and Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil (respectively), published a study that showed the therapeutic effects of CBD Oil for PTSD symptoms. Their study suggests that CBD is a candidate for pharmacological and physiological therapy for PTSD. The study also showed very few side effects compared to the current pharmacological therapy used today like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil and other neurological disorders

The effect of full-spectrum CBD oil is also being studied in other neurological disorders, such as depression. Experts believe that the positive effects of CBD oils for anxiety are largely related to the brain’s serotonin receptors. 

Low serotonin level is a common symptom of depression. Though CBD doesn’t necessarily increase the body’s serotonin levels, it may affect how the brain responds to the serotonin already existing in the system. An animal study in 2014 conducted by Alexander R. de Mello Schier, et al., from the Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ), showed the effects of CBD oils in the brain’s receptors produced both anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Does this prove CBD for anxiety works?

A recent study in 2018 by Jose A. Crippa, et al., from the Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, showed that bestPost Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing an extreme trauma. About 7 to 8% of people experience PTSD in their lifetime, with women being more likely than men to develop the condition due to higher rates of exposure to violence and other traumas. Symptoms include depression, changes in thought patterns, feeling distant from others, and being overly emotional.

Doctors have been able to successfully treat PTSD with antidepressants such as Zoloft and Paxil, but some patients do not respond well to these medications. Now they can also use ketamine, a powerful and fast-acting drug that has been used to sedate patients during surgery.

When given by injection under the skin (subcutaneously), ketamine works within minutes and can even be used as an alternative to anesthesia prior to surgery. Patients who take the drug report feelings of confusion or detachment from their surroundings. Some of the side effects of ketamine include dizziness, nausea, and a "wobbly gait."

Research has shown that ketamine is a safe drug for treating PTSD in doses below those used during surgery. In one study , the most common side effect was temporary feelings of dissociation or disconnectedness from reality. CBD Oils has antipsychotic, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective properties. It also showed CBD’s potential as a treatment for other neurological conditions like schizophrenia, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, PTSD, social phobia, and even sleep disorders and Parkinson’s Disease. 

Moreover, it is important to note that best CBD oils for anxiety don’t cause any debilitating or significant side effects often associated with the common antipsychotic drugs. 

Suggested Dosage CBD Oil for Anxiety 

It is best to talk to your doctor if you’re considering full-spectrum CBD oils as a treatment for anxiety disorders. They can help in determining the right starting dosage for you and recommended dosage moving forward. They also can explain what to expect with the treatment and the potential risks. This is extremely important, especially if you’re already taking a prescription medication that contains CBD Oils (i.e. Epidolex) or any type of seizure medication. 

As said earlier, CBD Oil  is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t get you “high”. Nonetheless, your dosage of CBD oil for anxiety depends on different factors, such as:

• Your current weight
• The condition being treated
• Your body chemistry
• The CBD concentration (capsule, drop, CBD oils, pill, vapes, or gummies) and other CBD products

If your doctor doesn’t recommend CBD oil for anxiety for you, then you can start with a small dosage and increase it gradually. You can start with 20mg to 40mg per day. Increase your dosage by 5mg per week and continue until you feel the symptoms subside. 

Also, different forms of CBD will have different dosages. CBD oil for anxiety treatment has a different set of determining factors too, including:

• Your current weight
• Easiness
• Level of discomfort
• Concentration

Since there are different factors for determining dosage, some result in trial and error. Fortunately, there is no known lethal dosage for CBD Oil Tinctures. Studies, however, show that the human body can tolerate up to 750mg of CBD oils for anxiety.

It is best to keep track of the dosage you’re taking and how it affects the symptoms. 

Common Side Effects CBD Oils for Anxiety

Full Spectrum CBD may be non-psychoactive, but it does cause some side effects to other people. Some of the common side effects are:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Change in appetite
• Change in weight

Exercise caution if you take blood-thinning medications with “grapefruit warning”. Grapefruit and CBD both interact with metabolism enzymes. 

CBD oil can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, but it can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop the prescribed medication. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Fogginess
• Nausea

Bottom Line

The mainstream market erased the stigma associated with CBD Products and it’s becoming a popular alternative medication for a number of health issues. Also, it is important to note that different forms may have different levels of effects. If you’re interested in trying CBD oil and CBD legal products for treating your anxiety, then it’s best to consult your doctor. Be cautious when taking CBD; it’s generally safe but it may interact with other medications.

You might also like to read: Hemp Seed Oil Benefits for Your Skin.