As CBD has grown in popularity, many Canadians are wondering – How can CBD help with anxiety?
CBD, a therapeutic and non-intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis is used by people for many reasons, including anxiety.
In a U.S. survey of over 2,000 CBD users, anxiety was in the top three responses for why users turn to the compound.
While anxiety is a normal part of life when faced with various stressors, it can also take over and start hindering well-being if left unmanaged. An estimated 3 million+ adults in Canada reported having an anxiety or mood disorder in 2013, with over a quarter of those people reporting the disorder negatively affects their quality of life.
A life filled with anxiety can be exhausting and difficult to manage. Turning to a mental health professional is a good start and should be paired with other lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms that reduce anxiety.
Not everyone has access to see a mental health professional though, or they’re looking for more ways to cope on a daily basis, and that’s where the possibility of using CBD for anxiety comes in.
Anxiety Relief through CBD: What Research Reveals
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed as a way to manage anxiety. We used to think antidepressants worked by increasing serotonin; researchers now believe some of the effectiveness of antidepressants comes from their ability to promote neurogenesis.
Neurogenesis
This process essentially describes the brain firing off new neurons and connections. Neurogenesis plays a huge role in young development but also occurs in lower amounts for adults.
Studies have found cannabinoids like CBD may help proliferate hippocampal cell regeneration, encouraging neurogenesis.
When paired with other lifestyle choices like a consistent sleep schedule, exercise, and a healthy diet, CBD may help speed up the brain’s recovery from anxiety, firing off new neurons and benefitting the user.
5-HT1A Receptor
Some anti-anxiety drugs, like Buspirone, and some other medications like antipsychotics and antidepressants target the 5-HT1A receptor. This is a serotonin receptor that interacts with a protein that may play a large role in the regulation of anxiety and mood.
Researchers have found that CBD may act as a facilitator of 5-HT1A signalling, making it a promising tool for managing anxiety and regulating mood.
How CBD may help your anxiety
Alongside other changes, such as seeing a mental health professional, changing your daily routine, exercising, and regular eating, CBD may be a beneficial compound to incorporate into your anxiety management routine.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, finding a treatment plan that works best for you is crucial.
This should include a number of coping mechanisms and tools, from seeing a therapist or journaling to exercising, changing your sleeping habits, and everything in between.
CBD may be a promising tool to incorporate into your plan and speed up your path to managing anxiety and getting the quality of life you deserve.
How to use CBD for anxiety
There are a variety of ways that you can use CBD for anxiety, but what may work for one person may not always work for the next.
Because we are all different, and no two Endocannabinoid Systems are the same, how we use CBD will differ as well.
Some people may choose to keep a CBD tincture on hand, to sublingually administer if they feel a sense of anxiety coming on.
Using CBD oils and tinctures this way allows for quicker absorption into the bloodstream than other methods, such as edibles.
Others might find that the slower release of edibles like capsules fits their lifestyle better.
Many people prefer to choose to regularly consume CBD in a preventative way. This is to keep the mind at ease and to help stimulate neurogenesis alongside other activities that encourage healthy brain activity.
What type of CBD is best for anxiety?
There are a ton of CBD products on the Canadian market, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick out the best CBD to use for anxiety.
There are three main types of CBD available:
Full Spectrum CBD oil contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc. from the plant and offers the most benefits. This also includes minute traces of THC as well; some people with anxiety may prefer to go with a THC-free option.
Broad Spectrum CBD oil contains the majority of what Full Spectrum has to offer. The difference is that THC is is at non-detectable levels.
CBD Isolate oils contain only CBD, no other cannabinoids or terpenes, including THC, are present.
As mentioned, Full Spectrum offers the most benefits. However, some with anxiety may react to the traces of THC in the product.
There’s not enough to produce any sort of psychoactive effect. However, if it isn’t helping, or is making your anxiety worse – switch to another kind.
It may take some playing around with different CBD types in order to find what works best for you personally.
CBD anxiety dosage
Just like there is no “right or wrong” way to take CBD for anxiety, there is no one set CBD anxiety dosage that will work for everyone.
When first beginning to take CBD, it is best to start with a low and slow approach. Start off by taking a low dose, 5-10mg twice a day, and gradually increase it as needed over time.
CBD affects everyone differently, and it can often be very subtle. If you aren’t sure whether or not your CBD is working, check out this post for tips on how to recognize the signs.
Want to try CBD for anxiety?
Mellow offers tinctures, capsules, and other CBD products to get you started. Order today and get $5 off your first order and free shipping on orders of $120 or more. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to CBD!
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