According to The World Health Organization (WHO), 3.6% or 256 Million individuals worldwide suffer from anxiety, a widespread mental health issue. While there are numerous treatments and drugs for anxiety, some people have looked to CBD oil as a possible substitute. The cannabis plant contains a substance known as CBD or cannabidiol. CBD doesn’t get you high like THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. This has raised awareness of CBD as a possible anxiety therapy.
The Pros of CBD Oil for Anxiety
- May Reduce Anxiety Symptoms
People who suffer from various anxiety disorders may find relief from their symptoms by using CBD oil. According to several research, CBD may function by interacting with brain receptors that control mood and stress responses.
Must Read: Anxiety Gummies For Kids.
- Fewer Side Effects Than Traditional Medications
According to reports, CBD oil has fewer adverse effects than several common anti-anxiety drugs. This is fantastic news for people looking for an alternative to medication that could make them drowsy, lightheaded, or have other unpleasant side effects.
- Easy to Use
CBD oil is simple to take and can be ingested in a number of ways, including under the tongue when added to food or beverages, or when vaped. You may also read about the Best CBD Vape Pens In 2023.
- Legal in Most Countries
As long as it has less than 0.2% THC, CBD oil is legal in most nations, including the UK. This indicates that buying CBD oil is simple and legal, both offline and online.
The Cons of CBD Oil for Anxiety
- Lack of Regulation
Since the CBD market is mainly unregulated, there are a lot of low-quality products available. It might be challenging to distinguish between items that are safe and effective and those that are not.
- Potential for Drug Interactions
According to Health Harvard, Blood thinners and antidepressants are two drugs with which CBD can interact. This may result in unintended side effects or decreased pharmaceutical efficacy.
- Limited Research
There has been some research on the use of CBD oil for anxiety, although it is still in its early stages. This makes it challenging to properly comprehend the advantages and drawbacks of utilizing CBD for anxiety.
- Cost
The cost of premium CBD oil can make it challenging for some people to obtain it.
Research on CBD Oil for Anxiety
While there have been numerous studies on the potential advantages of CBD oil, there hasn’t been much done precisely on how it might be used to treat anxiety. The data that is now available, however, points to some potential for CBD as an alternative anxiety treatment.
In one study, persons with social anxiety disorder experienced a considerable reduction in anxiety after using CBD, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2019. For four weeks, either a placebo or 300 mg of CBD oil was administered to trial participants. Compared to individuals who received a placebo, the researchers discovered that those who received CBD oil had much lower anxiety levels and better cognitive function.
CBD reduced anxiety in persons with generalized anxiety disorder, according to a 2011 study that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology (GAD). Participants in the trial received 400 mg of CBD oil or a placebo. The study team discovered that those who got CBD oil had lower levels of anxiety and better cognitive performance than those who received a placebo.
It’s vital to keep in mind that these studies have limitations and are tiny, despite the fact that they seem promising. Understanding the possible advantages and hazards of taking CBD oil for anxiety requires more research.
How CBD Oil Works for Anxiety?
Researchers believe CBD may interact with brain receptors that control mood and stress responses, though the precise mechanism of action for how it treats anxiety is still unknown. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and anxiety, and CBD is considered to raise levels of this chemical. It may also interact with other neurotransmitters that have a role in controlling anxiety, such as GABA.
Conclusion
The minimal study that has been done so far suggests that CBD oil may have some promise as an alternative anxiety medication. Before determining whether to utilize it or not, it’s crucial to consider the benefits and hazards. A healthcare provider should be consulted by anyone interested in taking CBD oil, and they should make sure to get a high-quality product from a reliable supplier.
The available data suggests that CBD may hold some promise as an alternative treatment, but additional research is required to fully understand the possible advantages and hazards of using it for anxiety. Before using CBD, as with any treatment, it’s crucial to consider its potential advantages and disadvantages and to speak with a healthcare provider.
Resources:
-
Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders Global Health Estimate | Available Online At: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/254610/WHO-MSD-MER-2017.2-eng.pdf?sequence=1
-
CBD and other medications: Proceed with caution | Available Online At: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cbd-and-other-medications-proceed-with-caution-2021011121743
-
Shannon S, Lewis N, Lee H, Hughes S. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. Perm J. 2019;23:18-041. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18-041. PMID: 30624194; PMCID: PMC6326553.
-
Crippa JA, Derenusson GN, Ferrari TB, Wichert-Ana L, Duran FL, Martin-Santos R, Simões MV, Bhattacharyya S, Fusar-Poli P, Atakan Z, Santos Filho A, Freitas-Ferrari MC, McGuire PK, Zuardi AW, Busatto GF, Hallak JE. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. J Psychopharmacol. 2011 Jan;25(1):121-30. doi: 10.1177/0269881110379283. Epub 2010 Sep 9. PMID: 20829306.
