Knowledge is Power: Exercise Yours … Anxiety and CBD Use

History of CBD:

The study into the anti-anxiety effects of CBD had a renaissance around the 1970’s and then tapered down in the 80’s and 90’s. Most studies by that point were conducted primarily by a group of Brazilian researchers examining the links between CBD and antidepressant as well as antipsychotic properties. Almost all of the studies conducted during that time showed promising results.

In 2017, the WHO (World Health Organization) reported that there was evidence that CBD was useful in the treatment of sleep and menstrual discomfort. The next year, the FDA approved the first drug containing CBD for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy.

Some Basic Facts About CBD Oil:

There are a few things to keep in mind before trying CBD oil.

• CBD has a cumulative effect- which means it should be used regularly to gain optimum results.
• It is considered a natural supplement, so it is not regulated by the FDA.
• Oils purchased in a grocery store actually contain very little CBD.
• A CBD oil from a reputable source will often report potency on the label
• The optimum for an adult with mild anxiety is usually between 15 to 20 mg a day
• 2 weeks is needed before experiencing any marked improvement

What Types of Anxiety Can CBD Oil Help?

As we know, anxiety is an emotional state marked by inner turmoil. Symptoms can range from mild issues like overthinking to more overwhelming feelings like panic or dread.

The benefits of CBD oil lie in its anti-anxiety effects. It can help manage or decrease symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders, as well as social anxieties that hinder public interactions with others.

3 Types of Anxiety:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – is characterized by excessive or uncontrollable anxiety or worry that is repetitive and usually baseless (no obvious reason). It usually occurs before an anticipated event or situation. People with GAD tend to always expect a disaster and can’t help but obsessively worry about things like health, money, school, family or work. This disorder can have substantial impact on someone’s daily life. Physical reactions can manifest as fatigue or sweating, as well as irritability, trembling or twitching. A 2015 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed that CBD helped reduce stress in animals such as rats.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD or social phobia)- is characterized by a significant amount of fear in one or more social situations where interaction with people, particularly strangers is likely. This disorder ranks as the third most prevalent mental health issue worldwide. The result is considerable distress that can impact the quality of life. Those suffering from this disorder maybe unable to function in at least one or more parts of daily life and may present as shy, quiet, nervous or withdrawn. In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 mg of CBD or a placebo. Those who received the CBD experienced an overall reduction in anxiety levels.
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- is often characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that border on obsessiveness or compulsion. A person with obsessive-compulsive disorder cannot ignore or stop intrusive thoughts and end up performing compulsive rituals that give them temporary relief from their anxiety. Because a person with this disorder cannot be settled by reason or logic, they will feel the need to re-enact certain behaviors over and over again to try and fix or alleviate their anxiety. One example is excessively or compulsively washing of the hands. A 2015 neurotherapeutic study by Esther Blessing and Maria Steenkamp provides plenty of evidence that CBD for OCD is an effective option.

Anecdotal Evidence and Personal Feedback:

Anecdotal evidence abounds for CBD in decreasing anxiety. Although more scientific research is needed and currently being conducted, people everywhere can attest to the relief provided for their anxiety symptoms.

One person expressed that CBD oil gave her the same calm feeling that she usually got after taking a yoga class. Another who suffers from neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, GI illness/Chron’s Disease, insomnia, anxiety and depression, said that CBD has helped him immensely and that it “make(s) it a little easier to get through the day.” Still another user expressed that CBD oil “(has) been incredible for me right before bed” and that it has helped her get through some very stressful situations.

Takeaway: Knowledge is Power

CBD oil has been shown to decrease many of the physiological symptoms associated with anxiety. From social anxiety disorder SAD to PTSD to OCD and more, CBD is without argument the only safe, natural and effective alternative to RX drugs on the market right now.

The house Judiciary Committee approved a bill in November 2019 that legalizes marijuana on the federal level, removing it from a Schedule 1 on the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation allows states to enact their own policies. With that being said, some state laws have put restrictions on buyers so always important to check the status in your own state when purchasing or using any cannabis products (although CBD is federally legal as long as it doesn’t contain more than .3 percent of THC). It is also recommended that you discuss CBD use with your physician or trusted medical professional before starting any regiment as well as educate yourself on all the uses, effects, side effects, and precautions before beginning any new supplement.