What You Should Really Know about CBD and Anxiety: How it can Help

During recent times, CBD oil has become increasingly popular with plenty of users around the world, especially when it comes to conditions such as anxiety. Of course, some people use CBD oil for daily cares and worries, but there are others who have more severe conditions such as anxiety disorders like PTSD, social anxiety, and more, and these individuals have reportedly been helped by CBD oil as well. Cannabidiol, the scientific name for CBD, is now available in different forms, most common of which is under-the-tongue tinctures and drops, but people can now purchase CBD oil in salves and creams, supplements, and other products such as edibles. Unlike THC, which is another chemical compound in the marijuana plant, CBD doesn't have any 'high' effect when people take it. But what else should you be aware of when you purchase a CBD oil product for anxiety? Here's what you should really know about CBD and anxiety: how it can help.

• Its uses

Anxiety is arguably one of the most common conditions in countries like the United States, but it is fairly common in countries such as Canada as well. And even though you can treat an anxiety disorder with psychotherapy and counselling or even medication, many individuals are deciding to forgo this form of treatment in favor of CBD oil. In fact, the majority of CBD users use it to treat anxiety, depression, and pain.

• The research on CBD

There is still not enough research and evidence on CBD to unanimously prove its effects on various conditions such as anxiety. But some research has suggested that CBD may not only have an effect on the endocannabinoid system but also on receptors in serotonin modulation. Serotonin, as some may already know, is a messenger which is believed to play a role when it comes to the regulation of anxiety.

Most research done on the effects of CBD on anxiety still comes from lab experiments and animal studies. But in one report in Neurotherapeutics (published in 2015), scientists discovered that CBD oil may have potential in the treatment of illnesses such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder.

There was one specific study done in 2011 where it was determined that CBD may be able to help deal with social anxiety. In the study, 24 individuals who had social anxiety received a 600-mg dosage of CBD about an hour and a half prior to performing a simulated test on public speaking. An additional 12 individuals performed the test without receiving any CBD. In the results, the CBD was shown to reduce the anxiety in the individuals who received the dosage, and it also reduced cognitive impairment as well as discomfort.

• The safety of CBD

Of course, if you are planning to use CBD, you should also be aware of its potential side effects. In some research, it was thought that the use of CBD oil could also lead to side effects such as appetite changes, mood changes, diarrhoea, dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and a lowered blood pressure.

CBD oil also has the potential to interact with or affect other medications, such as antihistamines and benzodiazepines, so if you are on these medications, you should consult with a medical specialist prior to trying CBD oil.

One of the best things you can do if you are keen on trying CBD oil is to buy it only from a reputable and trustworthy supplier. For instance, if you want to buy CBD oil in Canada, look for suppliers with a good reputation and don't forget to check reviews from other buyers and users as well.