CBD has helped many people reduce their anxiety levels and inhibit irrational fears. It has also gained enormous popularity because it is a natural solution and much more effective than most of the drugs we see on the market, which on the other hand are highly addictive and have a multitude of side effects.
Therefore, if you are looking for a natural alternative to help you reduce stress, anxiety or panic attacks, CBD could become your best ally. From the first dose, it will help you release tension, lighten your mind and eliminate those negative thoughts.
If you want to take advantage of all the benefits of cannabidiol and know the best way to do it, here you will find all the information you need.
How is anxiety and CBD related?
CBD is widely used by people with anxiety disorders, whether occasional or chronic. To understand the link between these elements, we must know two factors that are involved in the process: the endocannabinoid system and serotonin.
Discovered only 30 years ago, the endocannabinoid system is made up of receptors located in our brain and peripheral system. Together, they play a crucial role in brain homeostasis, allowing a balance in important functions such as body temperature, weight, heart rate, etc.
In this case, numerous studies claim that CBD interacts with CB1, CB2, 5-HT1A and GPR55 receptors, in order to increase the synaptic response in the brain and thus regulate the production of serotonin in the body.
Serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone, has a huge and direct influence on our overall well-being. During episodes of stress, the level of this neurotransmitter tends to decrease. It is therefore important to help the body regulate its quantity to balance the internal environment and improve mood.
What types of anxiety can CBD treat?
In recent years, there have been important studies demonstrating the benefits that CBD offers on different types of anxiety.
Generalized anxiety and social anxiety
In 2011, a study from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil highlighted the positive effect of CBD on the limbic and paralimbic areas of the brain.
Numerous participants with generalized anxiety received a daily dose of cannabidiol for a set time. At the end of the observation phase, they concluded that CBD brings positive effects quickly and safely.
In 2015, another study was conducted in New York City, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBD on anxiety disorders ( generalized and social).
Its conclusion was also simple: the effects of CBD are fast, effective and established over time.
Panic disorders
In 2013, a group of British scientists analyzed the effect of cannabidiol on fear in humans. With 48 participants, they demonstrated that CBD has the ability to decrease fear and panic levels in people.
The most recent research occurred in 2016, in Spain. This time they conducted some experiments with animals, to show that CBD could improve the release of serotonin in the brain. And once again, the results were very positive.
How to take CBD to reduce anxiety?
Generally, people suffering from this disease need a fast action to alleviate their symptoms, so they prefer CBD in oil and in flowers or buds of hemp Sativa L. Always remembering that we are talking about Cannabidiol and not Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the psychoactive substance.
- CBD Oil: Consuming CBD orally is one of the fastest and easiest ways, as it penetrates the bloodstream and interacts quickly with the endocannabinoid system. You can add a few drops of oil to your food or beverages, or sprinkle some concentrated CBD crystals. You can also administer it sublingually for a faster and more effective hit. As always, we emphasize that this way of taking it is allowed in some countries, in Spain however, it is only allowed to be sold for topical use.
- Buds: When inhaling the CBD, the vapor goes directly to your lungs and then into your bloodstream, producing an almost instantaneous effect. It can be consumed this way in some countries, in Spain only flowers can be sold for aromatic, ornamental or technical use, but not for human consumption. Also in certain places it can be consumed in food, either in infusions, cakes or any food that works for you.
Frequency
Unlike conventional pharmacological treatments, it is not necessary to consume CBD on a daily basis. In patients with moderate seizures or mild mental illness, cannabidiol can be taken only when the need for it arises. And for those with generalized distress, daily or at least more frequent use can be quite helpful.
It all depends on the type of anxiolytic illness, the intensity of the crises and what each person needs.
Dosage
The same goes for the dosage, it is up to us to find the one that best suits our crises and levels of discomfort. However, it is important to always start with a low dose (20 / 30 mg) and then, if necessary, increase it progressively.
Similarly, if it is generalized anxiety, we can ingest CBD in the form of oil, capsule or infusion, two to three times a day. This way we will have a prolonged effect during the day and night.
If it is an unpredictable peak of stress or distress, such as panic attacks, it is better to opt for a sublingual intake to have an almost immediate effect. In this case, if the symptoms persist after 30 minutes, another small dose could be taken.
Now, if we are talking about an anticipatory stress such as a scheduled event or an important exam, it may be useful to start with a daily intake and a small dose, about 10 to 15 days before.
Check out Ecowatch CBD to find out more useful information.