Are You Suffering from Anxiety? CBD Might Help According to Studies
Many people still doubt if there’s truth in the medical benefits of CBD up to these days. Since we were kids, we have always heard that cannabis or marijuana is extremely harmful to human health. However, traces of evidence suggest that it was widely utilized even in ancient times for medicinal purposes. In the United States, more states are becoming less strict about their marijuana laws, making health stores restock their shelves to meet customers’ demands, with CBD edibles and cannabis oil as among the best sellers. They claim they help treat many health conditions, including anxiety.
But before we talk about how CBD helps with anxiety, let’s delve into what exactly anxiety disorders are.
First Things First, What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal response of our bodies to stress. In fact, it’s beneficial in some situations, warning and helping us prepare for potential dangers ahead. Everyone experiences anxiety on some occasions, like when there are issues in the workplace or before a job interview or taking an exam. That’s fine. What’s not are anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are among the most usual mental illnesses people experience, involving extreme worry, fear, dread, and nervousness. It causes constant fear that can stop you from doing activities you used to enjoy when it becomes intense. In some cases, it even leaves you getting scared of getting in an elevator, crossing the street, or leaving your home.
5 Major Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive condition (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia or Social anxiety disorder
What IS CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of chemical naturally found in marijuana plants, called cannabinoid. It is one of the most active ingredients extracted from hemp utilized in CBD products, such as oils or edibles. Unlike another type called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t make you “high” or intoxicated.
With CBD’s popularity exploding and trending, manufacturers now include and infuse it in many different applications. In short, it’s getting added to anything and everything.
CBD Products List
1. Edibles ( chocolates, gummies, hard candies, mac and cheese, lollipop, hummus, cakes, honey, jelly beans, cereal, cheese puffs, mustard, olive oil, coconut oil, gum, etc.)
2. Supplements ( inhaler, tincture/drops, patch, green superfood supplements, post-workout recovery drink, shatter/isolates, suppositories, capsules/softgels, etc.)
3. Body Care (massage oil, intimate lube, face oil, bath bombs and soaks, lotion, hand cream, balm, face mask, body scrub, eye serum, face moisturizers, beard balm, deodorant, etc.)
4. Smoking (vaping, flowers/joints, etc.)
5. Drinks (seltzer/sparkling water, coffee, soda, beer, water, k-cups, cocktails, energy drink, tea)
6. Pet Products (pet tincture, pet tropicals, pet treats)
So, How Does CBD Help with Anxiety?
CBD has been used clinically to treat children with seizures. It turns out, promising preliminary data suggests that it can also help with anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, cancer, pain, inflammatory diseases, substance use disorders, and others.
Moreover, a study found out that increased serotonin levels can help treat anxiety. Serotonin or also called a “happy chemical,” is a chemical in the brain controlling mood, food digestion, sleep, feeling of happiness, etc. Low levels of serotonin can cause stress and anxiety, sleep trouble, and depression. CBD is believed to work by increasing serotonin levels, similar to how antidepressants function.
What Do Studies Say About CBD and Anxiety?
A 2019 study used CBD to treat people with anxiety and sleep troubles. They found out that nearly 80% of these individuals’ anxiety improved while almost 70% reported that their sleep troubles have improved in two months.
In another study in the same year, out of eleven patients with PTSD, 91% experienced reduced symptoms after taking CBD.
On the other hand, a review of 49 studies in 2015 found evidence that CBD could help with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Before You Decide
Though studies are slowly revealing that CBD can help treat a wide range of diseases, keep in mind that it is not a “miracle cure.” In addition, we need more research to prove its efficacy and if it’s safe for many health conditions.
While it’s easy to purchase CBD products, be aware that it’s not well regulated. Meaning, the ingredients and amounts on the bottle may not be the same as what’s inside the bottle. Moreover, know the CBD laws in your state or country before purchasing.
If you’re looking for a CBD oil for anxiety Canada supplier, you might want to try Birch and Fog. They offer a vast range of products, including their ever-popular appetizing high CBD edibles.