Does CBD help anxiety? CBD for anxiety

How does CBD oil work?

CBD for anxiety: Millions of people use CBD oil to deal with anxiety and stress due to our high-paced lifestyles. Researchers have investigated this association between CBD and anxiety reduction in a well-known study from 2011. In a gold standard double-blinded placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) were either given a dose of CBD or a placebo. They then had to do a social speaking simulation and their anxiety levels measured by different parameters were assessed.

People who had received CBD showed significantly lower anxiety levels than participants who had been given a placebo. The ways CBD work in the brain are complicated and still to be further investigated but there is evidence to suggest that CBD might even work against depression and addictive disorders.

CBD for anxiety: how does CBD oil ease anxiety?

CBD works by interacting with one of the body’s own regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). We have endocannabinoid receptors almost everywhere in the body and it is part of our nervous system. We find them most abundantly in the brain but also in the gut, reproductive system, bones and immune cells.

The ECS plays an essential role in keeping the body within a narrow range of operating conditions and controls important functions like mood, memory, stress, sleep, behaviour, appetite, pain, immune function and reproductive health. In the body we naturally produce chemical substances called endocannabinoids which binds to the endocannabinoid receptors and regulate all the above functions – the endocannabinoid system holds an important role in keeping us healthy and happy.

CBD can also bind to these receptors and active the ECS, thereby regulating the same functions. If this seems a bit too geeky all you need to remember is that CBD works a bit like social media. It acts everywhere and controls everything.

CBD for anxiety: how does CBD oil ease anxiety?

As described above CBD works with the endocannabinoid system to produce some of the effects that people report, but CBD is also binding to other receptors in the brain like the serotonin (5HT)1a receptor. Serotonin deficiency is associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders and it is likely that the effects CBD has on mood and anxiety are related to this interaction.

The ways CBD work in the brain are complicated and still need to be further investigated, but there is evidence to suggest that CBD might even work against depression and addictive disorders.

What is the best CBD oil dosage for anxiety?

In the study mentioned above the participants were given a one-time dose of 600 mg CBD. This is a very high dose which I would not recommend outside a clinical setting. If you haven’t tried CBD before I would start low and then slowly increase the dose. Starting with 5 mg twice a day and eventually, you might end at 50 mg twice a day. As everyone reacts different to CBD, one person might feel symptom relief with a dose of 10 mg per day and others will need 200 mg.

CBD for anxiety: does CBD oil have any risks?

The World Health Organisation has stated that CBD is safe and with no addictive potential. In a 1000 mg CBD, 30 ml bottle, a full 1 ml pipette contains 33 mg CBD. This means that 1 drop contains a bit more than 1,5 mg CBD.

Most people take between 10-100 mg CBD per day which is thought to be completely safe. One study showed when taking doses of CBD above 1000mg. You might see a small effect on liver enzymes but this dose is uncommon and not recommendable. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.

⚠️ If you’re taking other medication for anxiety or any other condition. It is important that you consult with your GP before trying CBD oil.

CBD for anxiety: what’s the safest way to purchase CBD oil?

It is definitely of the highest importance to purchase your CBD oil from a trusted source. My advice to a new consumer is to ask a lot of questions. Ask about the labelling, the labelling is not always clear, and sometimes even I get confused. If it says, 200 mg on the label is it then 200 mg of pure CBD or is it CBD plus a mixture?

As brands cannot suggest serving size, it is good to know what you are looking for and do your background research when you want to find the right product. Ask questions like do they quality test their products and what are the quality standards. All brands should use third-party testing.

As a member of the cannabis trades association, you can trust cbDNA are a reputable brand who meet all the criteria and standards needed to sell to the general public. If you have any questions, you can speak to one of our advisors on 01842 762760. They will be able to advise you which product would best suit your needs. Or if you know what you would like to buy, you can shop here: https://www.cbdna.co.uk