Let's Talk About CBD for Anxiety & Depression
IN THE WORLD of herbal remedies CBD, short for cannabidiol, is like the second coming among enthusiasts. Praised for its healing prowess—for everything from pain and insomnia to gastrointestinal issues and inflammation—the cannabis-born compound is fast developing cult-like status. Not only are physical health benefits reported, but more and more people are turning to CBD to help with mental health conditions—particularly anxiety and depression.
The rising rates of anxiety and depression in the modern world have a lot of scientific backing. Many people are attempting to stay away from drugs that may alter their behavior. And everyone wants to stay away from drugs that could lead to addiction.
The rise of anxiety and unhappiness in the modern society is backed up by a lot of research. Many people are striving to avoid medicines that could cause them to change their behavior. And no one wants to use drugs that may lead to addiction.
Many Americans are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil as a remedy for anxiety. Some people take CBD oil to soothe their everyday worries. Others use it to treat more serious conditions, like generalized anxiety disorder.
Cannabidiol is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Its availability is soaring as cannabis is being legalized in more states across the country.
Cannabidiol is unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This other cannabis compound produces a "high." CBD oil typically doesn't contain THC, so it doesn't have this effect.
A growing number of companies have begun selling supplements, salves, and other products containing CBD oil. They often tout these items as natural remedies for issues like anxiety and pain.
What Is CBD Again?
CBD is one of two primary chemical entities (cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant (the other one is tetrahydrocannabinol, THC). Unlike THC, which is what causes you to get high, CBD has no psychoactive effects (one reason why so many people are trying it). CBD derived from hemp differs from marijuana by its THC content. Hemp has less than the legal limit of 0.3% THC, while marijuana contains more than 0.3% THC.
To complicate matters, CBD is only FDA-approved for use in one medication, Epidiolex, which is used to treats the seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy. Because it’s largely unregulated, navigating the world of CBD can feel like a long, strange trip. And since you can’t be sure exactly what you’re getting, word to the wise: Consume with caution and always consult with your doctor.
What CBD Can Do for Stress and Anxiety
A study in the Journal Neurotherapeutics way back 2015, found that there really are receptors in the human brain, called the endocannabinoid system, onto which compounds from the cannabis plant attach. When these compounds attach to our brain, certain stress, fear, and anxiety reactions are dulled, slowed, or even obviated altogether.
That means that with controlled, measured CBD usage, stress and anxiety really can be reduced.
Some of the confusion around this comes from the sister plant of hemp, marijuana. The active ingredient in marijuana is the psychoactive compound THC. THC attaches to the same endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, but in that case, anxiety and fear can actually increase.
While there is a trace amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD products, the THC really only acts as a helper, or carrier, of the CBD. That means you’ll only get the anxiety and fear-dampening effects of the CBD. Scientists say more research is needed to learn how CBD oil might help treat conditions like anxiety.
What Forms of CBD Are Most Effective?
Oils or Tinctures: Keep in mind, not all CBD plant extracts and formulations are created equal (blame it on the wild west unregulated substances create). However, experts believe the most effective form of CBD is an oil or tincture (alcohol-based solution) that’s placed under the tongue. These sublingual preparations ensure the cannabinoids get distributed throughout the body. This method bypasses the gut, which is why experts often prefer it to edibles, most of which get destroyed by the gastrointestinal system. Every person will react a little differently due to their individual biology, metabolism, and DNA, natch.
Dry-herb Vaporizing: For patients who are feeling all kinds of jittery and need more immediate relief, some experts recommend vaping CBD through a dry-herb vaporizer, which heats up dried CBD flowers (unlike traditional vape pens which require oil-based cartridges). These are relatively safe because they avoid the by-products produced from burning plant material and can be set to a desired temperature that allows you to get the most benefit from the CBD you are consuming.
Conclusion
CBD oil is used by a lot of people to relieve anxiety. According to research, it may be beneficial for some forms of anxiety disorders but not for others. And the possibility of broad-based adverse effects is extremely real.
Because of the uncertainty, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before using CBD oil. If your doctor is unable to recommend a brand, he or she may be able to warn you about a potentially dangerous one.
