How to Take CBD for Anxiety

CBD benefits for managing anxiety are beyond doubts. Various studies have proved its efficacy in various anxiety disorders.

You have heard that CBD helps with anxiety, but not sure how to take it? To answer your question, we will first explain how CBD can help you with anxiety, followed by ways to consume it.

The information in this article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace seeing a mental health professional. If you think you are suffering from this disease, consult with a health professional immediately. To find a health professional in the Highbrow network, click here.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD) and How it works?

CBD – a cannabinoid – is a chemical naturally present in cannabis. Various research indicates promising results of CBD for anxiety.

The best part is that CBD does so without causing the feeling of “high” or intoxication, which is associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

To understand its action, let’s first understand what receptors are.

Receptors are structures attached to your cells that collect signals from various stimuli.

CBD is seen to interact with CB1 (your central nervous system) and CB2 receptors (and the peripheral nervous system). Here they modify the serotonin signals.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) that plays an essential role in mental health. Individuals with lower levels of serotonin are generally associated with depression. In some instances, low levels of serotonin may also be responsible for anxiety.

So, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) are used in the management of anxiety.

As CBD can modify serotonin signals, it may be useful for anxiety.

More About Evidence from Various Research

Several studies have been carried out to understand CBD benefits for anxiety:

CBD has proven to relieve stress in rats (the National Institute on Drug Abuse). The physiological signs of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, improved with CBD.
It is also beneficial for other forms of anxiety, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorders (SAD). CBD may also help in sleeplessness or sleeping disorders associated with anxiety (Journal of Psychopharmacology).
CBD was seen effective in symptoms of PTSD, such as replaying negative memories, and nightmares. It can be taken also or along with cognitive behavioral therapy or medications (Frontiers in neuroscience).
Some studies indicated the use of CBD for anxiety disorders. However, the evidence is not enough to prove it and may need more human tests for better understanding (The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry).
A study also suggested the antipsychotic effect of CBD in people with schizophrenia. CBD helped without causing devastating effects associated with a few antipsychotic drugs.

Three Ways to Use CBD for Anxiety

CBD is available in different forms such as oils, candies, and lotions. There is “one size that fits all,” and depends on the condition, intensity of the problem, and the individual who would be using it.

So, you can select the best way of using that suits you the best.

Here are three main ways of taking CBD for anxiety:

Oral CBD

CBD oral sprays and oils are popular. Sublingual CBD oil is used by dropping it under your tongue.

Your mucous membranes contain many tiny capillaries. CBD is absorbed by them and enters the blood.

Sublingual oil is an excellent option for those who cannot take gummies or unable to swallow capsules.

Alternatively, CBD oil can be consumed by adding them to your favorite beverage, such as coffee or tea. It can also be rubbed on the skin or added to capsules.

The flip side of using oil is its weedy taste. This may be a turnoff for many. Various oils are available with other ingredients to combat the flavor, such as peppermint.

Vaping

Here the vaporized CBD oil can be inhaled through a vaping pen. This is the quickest way to get CBD effects and, thus, is effective while managing an acute anxiety episode.

Many individuals also use a low-THC and high-CBD strain to manage anxiety. CBD counteracts THC-associated anxiety.

However, there are certain concerns with vaping CBD, mainly because of chemicals present in the heating coils and vaping liquid inside the vaping pen. So, although its action may be fast, we are not yet aware of the negative consequences related to vaping.

Edibles

It goes without saying that edibles are one of the most popular ways of taking CBD. The gummies are available in myriad flavors and eliminate the guesswork of dosing.

They are readily available and convenient to take. So, it’s an ideal option while using it at work. Imagine having to pull out oil dropper in public or take a vape. Candies are discreet, and you can consume them even in a professional environment.

The only downside of gummies is that they are not fast-acting. So, for an acute attack, it may not be a suitable option.

What is an Ideal Dose?

But, if you are interested in taking CBD, you can talk to your doctor before starting them

CBD oil: Dose varies between 25mg – 100 mg in a day, depending on the intensity of the problem. Smaller doses can be taken as a single dose. Higher doses, on the other hand, require them to be spread throughout the day. Studies have also shown the efficacy of 300mg of CBD oil in improving public speaking if taken 90 minutes before it starts.
Vaping: A small amount as per your problem. It can be taken frequently at a regular interval if anxiety is intense.
Edibles: Dose varies between 2-3 gummies once or twice a day, again depending on your condition.

Final Thoughts

CBD benefits for managing anxiety are beyond doubts. Various studies have proved its efficacy in various anxiety disorders. However, many CBD products are not certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that you may find a discrepancy in the purity and strength of ingredients in products of different brands.