CBD has been shown to be effective at treating anxiety disorders. This is because it binds to receptors in the brain that are responsible for controlling certain functions such as mood and anxiety.
Unlike the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD is legal to use and does not cause any side effects. It is recommended to choose a broad spectrum oil that contains less than 0.2% THC.
What is CBD?
CBD has become a huge health craze lately, with it showing up in everything from beauty products to gummy bears. The hype around this natural product is based on research suggesting that it may treat anxiety and depression. However, more research is needed to be done.
CBD is found in cannabis plants, but it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. The CBD in hemp has very low traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient that gives marijuana users a “high”.
People who are new to CBD can choose a high-CBD concentration formula, but most find more relief from using full spectrum or broad spectrum products. These contain the other cannabinoids found in hemp, and they work together through the entourage effect to relieve symptoms of anxiety. These products also have natural terpenes that can help with symptoms of anxiety, such as linalool which helps reduce aggression and alpha-pinene, which helps improve memory and cognitive function in stressful situations.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is a network of cannabis-like signalling molecules and receptors that have been found throughout the brain and body. It has only been in the last few decades that we’ve begun to understand its many functions. Some of these include how it impacts pain, inflammation, appetite, mood and memory. It’s no surprise that many patients suffering from a range of conditions find relief with non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds like CBD.
The ECS’s main task is to maintain homeostasis, the body’s optimal state of balance. It does this by controlling the release of neurotransmitters in response to a variety of environmental factors. It also works by suppressing the release of other neurotransmitters in a “retrograde” manner, which can help regulate anxiety and fear. The body’s own endocannabinoids are called phytocannabinoids, and they are produced by nerve cells that resemble the cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa (marijuana). The two most well-studied endocannabinoids are N-arachidonoylethanolamine and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), which have effects similar to those of psychoactive cannabinoid compounds such as THC.
Cannabinoid Receptors
Anxiety is a condition that can make you feel like your heart is beating out of control, that you can’t breathe and that everything is going to go wrong. It can also lead to panic attacks, sweating and trouble sleeping. Traditional treatments include anxiety medications that may be sedating and have potentially dangerous side effects like addiction.
CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic-like effects in a number of animal models including the elevated plus maze and Vogel conflict test (VCT). These effects appear to be mediated by 5-HT1ARs and involve alterations in prelimbic cortex activity, reducing conditioned fear expression and blocking reconsolidation of fear memories.
Our pick for the best CBD for anxiety is a premium-grade CBD oil with added ingredients designed to promote relaxation. This includes maca root and MCT oil that help absorb the CBD and terpenes that encourage a calm feeling. This product comes in a variety of doses and has zero percent THC making it a safe option for people with anxiety.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect refers to the fact that different terpene compounds can interact and enhance the effects of cannabinoids. This is thought to be because different terpenes possess different therapeutic properties and can interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
This is why many CBD consumers prefer Broad Spectrum CBD products which contain all the natural plant compounds, including terpenes and small traces of THC. These tend to have a stronger and more pronounced therapeutic effect.
When it comes to anxiety, a whole host of physical symptoms can arise, including shaking, diaphragm spasms, high blood pressure and insomnia. CBD has been shown to boost the activity of serotonin receptors and encourage a more positive mood, which can help alleviate anxiety and stress.
If you’re looking for a CBD product to help with anxiety, Lightshade recommend their CBD Anxiety Relief Tincture, which contains a range of relaxation-promoting ingredients such as maca root and MCT oil alongside additional calming terpenes. This means the tincture can deliver fast-acting, effective results that will help to reduce CBD For Anxiety UK
