CBD For Anxiety - Does It Really Work?

"Just relax," they say. If only it were that easy, right? For millions of Americans grappling with anxiety, it’s not.

The racing heart. The sweaty palms. For millions, anxiety isn't just a feeling – it's a daily battle.

And if you're reading this, chances are you're all too familiar with its grip. But what if you're fighting this battle with one hand tied behind your back?

Traditional treatments often come with a laundry list of side effects, but what if there’s a better way?

CBD has entered the conversation, and it’s getting more and more people swearing by its power.

Sounds too good to be true? That's what many thought about CBD and anxiety - until they tried it.

But how does CBD for anxiety work? Is CBD the Answer to Your Anxiety? Let's Find Out!

DOES CBD HELP WITH ANXIETY?

An increasing number of studies have indicated that CBD may be useful in treating a variety of anxiety disorders.

A recent survey found that 21% of US adults used CBD in the past year, which is an astonishing 50% increase from the previous figures¹.

Another survey reported 64% of adults stating that they tried CBD at some point in their lives, with nearly half of them doing so on a doctor's recommendation.

The top reasons cited for using CBD include:

• Stress Relief: 65.3%
• Sleep Problems: 51.7%
• Overall Improvement in Well-being: 52.5%
• Improved Mood: 44.9%.

Anxiety, in the context of CBD usage surveys, often overlaps with stress and mood.

How Does CBD Work For Anxiety?

CBD may ease anxiety by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), promoting balance and a sense of calm.

Your ECS plays an important role in maintaining balance in the body including mood, stress response, and anxiety.

The body, including the brain, is the home to CB1 and CB2 receptors which are part of the ECS. It helps in regulating anxiety by balancing:

1. Neurotransmitter (allows communication between neurons and target cells like muscle cells or gland cells) by changing the level of GABA. ECS can lessen anxiety by increasing GABA level.

2. Stress hormones like cortisol are released in reaction to stress and the ECS can lessen anxiety symptoms by modulating the cortisol level².

CBD acts as an agonist at the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor which is involved in mood regulation. By improving serotonin signaling, this interaction may lower anxiety and stabilize mood. CBD also interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain, especially in the area related to emotional processing, this reaction can help lessen anxiety response.

CBD might also have an impact on how fear memories are processed, which improves the removal of fear memories and lowers conditioned fear reactions³.

This is especially important for those with anxiety disorder as it reduces the anxiety triggered by specific stimuli.

Now you might be thinking what are anxiety disorders? We usually define anxiety disorders as excessive worry, fear, and anxiety that can interfere with day-to-day functioning.

These disorders are characterized by overpowering, persistent emotions of fear that are frequently out of proportion to the actual situation, in contrast to normal anxiety, which is a normal reaction to stress.

But before we talk about disorders, let’s talk about anxiety itself.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety exists on a spectrum, ranging from a normal, even beneficial reaction to a debilitating condition. A degree of anxiety is a natural part of the human experience – a biological alarm system designed to keep us safe.

However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it transforms into more than just feeling stressed or worried. Chronic anxiety is characterized by a constant state of apprehension, even when there's no immediate threat.

While occasional anxiety is a normal response to uncertain or challenging situations, chronic anxiety is different. It's characterized by a constant state of apprehension, even when there's no immediate threat.

This persistent unease can manifest physically as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating.

This can lead to a range of symptoms, from restlessness and irritability to physical manifestations like insomnia and digestive issues. Anxiety disorders represent the more severe end of this spectrum, where these feelings become overwhelming and start to dictate one's choices and behaviors.

Anxiety disorders, which affect millions worldwide, go beyond temporary worry, potentially interfering with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding anxiety is the first step in addressing it effectively.

Types of anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorder can take many distinct forms, some of the most prominent and common ones are;

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry about various life aspects, like daily tasks, finances, and health. A study found that a single dose of CBD can reduce anxiety in people with GAD. Participants were observed to have lower heart rate after taking CBD⁴.

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Intense fear of social situations, causing avoidance due to potential embarrassment. In a well-known study, CBD helped SAD sufferers feel less anxious before taking a fake public speaking exam⁵.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD): PTSD symptoms including nightmares and repeating flashbacks may be lessened by CBD, according to several studies. CBD has been researched as a stand-alone remedy as well as when combined with traditional treatments including medicine and cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Anxiety-Induced Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping caused by anxiety. CBD has been demonstrated to enhance the quality of sleep for those with anxiety-related insomnia by regulating sleep cycles⁶.

How Much CBD Should You Take For Anxiety?

The optimal dosage of CBD for anxiety can vary significantly from person to person, factors such as

• Body Weight
• Metabolism
• Intensity of Anxiety
• Quality of The Product

Begin with a low dose and raise it gradually over time to test your tolerance and effectiveness. Many experts advise beginning with 20-40 mg daily.

Keep track of how you feel after taking CBD. Carefully observe any changes in mood, anxiety level or side effects. This will help you to identify if the dosage is effective or needs adjustment.

If the desired benefits are not felt, gradually increase your dosage by 5mg every few days. This helps you find that sweet spot where you feel the benefits without going overboard on the dosage (which is totally safe, by the way).

Can CBD Cause Anxiety Attacks?

No, CBD is not known to cause anxiety attacks. It's actually been studied for its potential to reduce anxiety, possibly by interacting with the brain's serotonin and GABA systems. Many people even use it to manage panic attacks.

Confusion might arise because THC, another compound in marijuana, can sometimes trigger anxiety, but only at very high doses. CBD is different - it's non-intoxicating and generally well-tolerated.

While some people might experience mild side effects from CBD, such as too much relaxation or changes in appetite, these are typically not associated with anxiety attacks.

Full Spectrum CBD or CBD Isolate for Anxiety?

When considering CBD, the choice between Full-spectrum CBD and THC-Free CBD products is important. Here's a comparison to help you to understand the difference:

Full Spectrum CBD:

• Contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
• Contains trace amounts of THC (less than 0.3%).
• May be more effective due to the "entourage effect".

In entourage effect cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to produce more potent effects than CBD alone. It can allow full-spectrum CBD to address a wider range of health conditions than CBD isolate.

What Is The Entourage Effect? Do you need THC?

CBD Isolate:

• If you are sensitive to THC or need to avoid it for testing then isolate is the best option for you, as it is pure CBD with no THC.
• It is often odorless and tasteless, easier to mix into foods or drinks.

CBD isolate is created by isolating CBD and removing all other compounds, including THC and other cannabinoids. This results in a product that's purely CBD, with no detectable levels of THC.

Whole-Spectrum CBD:

• Cannovia’s Whole Spectrum™ includes not only all the cannabinoids like CBD and THC, terpenes, flavonoids, but also preserves them in their natural ratios as they’re found in the plant.
• Our extracts also contain vital omegas and other beneficial molecules, all enhancing the entourage effect.

From field to bottle, we keep it real. It's the closest you'll get to the source unless you chew the leaves directly ;)

Which CBD Product Should You Choose?

Choosing the right CBD product can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision.

1. Product Types:

• Oil and Tinctures: They’re taken sublingually and absorb quickly and are simple to change the dosage for, they are frequently used to relieve anxiety.
• CBD Gummies and Edibles: Compared to oils, they can take longer to take action, but they are more convenient and simple to dose.
• CBD Capsules: Convenient and easy to swallow, but may take longer to absorb.
• CBD Topicals: Ideal for localized pain relief, such as creams or lotions. Not really used for anxiety.

2. Quality and Purity:

• Third-Party Lab Testing: Ensure the product has been tested by an independent lab to verify CBD content and purity.
• Reputable Brands: Choose brands with a good reputation and commitment to quality.

Additional Tips For Managing Anxiety

You can combine CBD with other relaxation techniques for managing anxiety

1. Meditation and CBD: Practice mindfulness meditation while using CBD. Pay attention to your thoughts and sensations without judgment.
2. Yoga and CBD: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote balance and reduce stress. CBD can enhance the relaxation benefits of yoga.
3. Deep breathing exercise and CBD: Deep breathing exercises like Pranayama can help regulate your nervous system and reduce anxiety. CBD can complement these exercises by promoting a state of calm.

If you are suffering from anxiety disorder then CBD might be a helpful option for you. The effect of CBD can vary from person to person. Before buying any CBD product you should ensure that it's of high quality and third party tested.

Cannovia’s CBD oils and tinctures are made from Whole-Spectrum nano-ionized™ cannabinoids.

All of our products are rigorously third-party tested to ensure purity, potency, and safety. To verify the results, simply check out our Certificate of Analysis.

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