If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone—an estimated 40 million adults in the United States live with this condition. While there are many pharmaceutical treatments available, they don’t work for everyone, and they can come with a host of undesirable side effects. That’s where CBD comes in.
CBD is a natural compound found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, the compound responsible for weed’s psychoactive effects, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce any psychoactive effects. However, it does interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating a variety of functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not make you high. In other words, it is non-psychoactive. This makes it an appealing treatment option for people who are looking for relief from anxiety but do not want the mind-altering effects of THC.
How CBD May Help Reduce Anxiety Symptoms
While more research needs to be done to fully understand how CBD works to reduce anxiety symptoms, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be effective. One study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that participants who took 600 mg of CBD experienced significantly less anxiety and cognitive impairment than those who took a placebo.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that CBD may help reduce anxiety by modulating the serotonin system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood and anxiety disorders. By modulating serotonin levels, the best CBD oil for anxiety may help relieve symptoms of anxiety for some people.
CBD is also thought to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. These effects may also help reduce anxiety symptoms by dampening down the body’s stress response.
Is CBD Effective?
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests that CBD can be effective in treating anxiety. However, there is a lack of scientific research to support these claims. Most of the available research on CBD and anxiety has been done on animals such as rats and mice. These studies have shown promising results but they cannot be applied to humans directly. More human studies are needed to determine if CBD is indeed effective in treating anxiety disorders.
Conclusion
While more research needs to be done to understand how exactly CBD works to relieve anxiety symptoms, there is some evidence to suggest that it may be effective for some people. If you’re interested in trying CBD for your anxiety, talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s right for you, and then start with a low dose to see how you react. You can always increase your dose if you find that your initial dose isn’t effective.