How to Use CBD for Anxiety- An Overview

Introduction:

Cannabidiol is a phytocannabinoid available in various formulations such as tablets, oils, vapes, gummies, and sprays. These may vary in terms of dosage and ingredients. CBD is used to treat mental health effects such as anxiety. CBD taken in the recommended doses has therapeutic applications. However, it can cause several side effects beyond recommended doses.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second active ingredient in cannabis (marijuana) derived from hemp manufactured in the laboratory. The chemical structure of cannabidiol was discovered in 1963. It modules the serotonin levels of the central nervous system to reduce anxiety and depression.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition associated with feelings of fear or worry that interfere with day-to-day activity. Anxiety includes fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, insomnia, headache, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep and unexplained pains.

What Are the Types of Anxiety Treated Using CBD?

The various types of anxiety treated using CBD are :

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Involves exaggerated and persistent worry about day-to-day life.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): It is a condition where youth or children have a compulsion or obsession.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: It is a type of anxiety about gatherings or social interaction.

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): It is an experience of a traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares.

• Panic Disorder: It is characterized by panic attacks or sudden terror feelings that occur without warning.

• Phobias: This includes situations or things that trigger a sense of fear.

• Separation Anxiety: It is an excessive fear of being separated from loved ones or home.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD oil is used in treating various health problems, such as :

• Anxiety.

• Depression.

• Arthritis or joint pain.

• Chronic pain.

• Sleep disorder.

• Nausea.

• Migraine (headache that can cause a pulsing sensation or throbbing pain).

• Cancer.

• Allergies or asthma.

• Lung condition.

• Alzheimer’s disease (a brain disorder that destroys thinking skills and memory).

• Multiple sclerosis (a disease that disables the brain and spinal cord).

• Parkinson's disease (disease of the central nervous system that affects the body’s movements).

• Schizophrenia (a disorder that affects the person's ability to feel, think or behave clearly).

• Diabetes.

• Psychosis (a mental illness characterized by a disconnection from real life).

• Cardiovascular disease.

What Are the Different Forms of CBD Available?

CBD is available in the form of :

• Oils and Tinctures: Comes in dropper bottles and are consumed orally. Sublingual oil can be used by placing CBD oil under the tongue, which absorbs quickly into the bloodstream.

• Sprays: Comes in a bottle with a nozzle to be sprayed orally.

• Gummies: These are sweet, chewable, and often fruit-flavored. They are convenient to consume and are used for anxiety and panic attacks.

• Creams and Gels: These are used topically as a localized treatment.

• Flowers: These are dried hemp plants that are typically smoked and ignited.

• Vapes: It is heated CBD oil without igniting, resulting in an inhalable vapor. It is the fastest way to experience the effect of CBD, especially in acute anxiety conditions.

• Capsules: Tablets or soft gels are taken individually like a pill.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Some of the benefits of using CBD are :

• It helps to boost mental health.

• Protects the heart.

• Supports reproductive health.

• Reduces pain and inflammation.

• Safeguards the brain.

• Supports healthy skin.

• Regulates metabolism and hormones.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD?

The side effects of CBD are:

• Diarrhea (frequent loose, watery stool than usual).

• Weight changes.

• Drowsiness.

• Decrease in appetite.

• Nausea.

• Dizziness.

• Irritability.

• Fogginess.

• A Temporary drop in blood pressure.

• Fatigue.

What Is the Mechanism of CBD?

The human body consists of various receptors that are protein-based chemical structures attached to the cells. CBD interacts with CB1 (a receptor located in the central nervous system to inhibit the release of neurotransmitters) and CB2 (found in the periphery of immune and nerve cells) receptors in the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems. CBD affects the CB1 receptor in the brain, which may alter serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mental health. People suffering from anxiety and depression usually have low serotonin levels. Some people manage to maintain serotonin levels using CBD.

What Is the Dosage Recommended for CBD?

• To reduce anxiety, the researchers recommend a 300 mg oral CBD dosage 90 minutes before the test.

• 600 mg is used in patients with social anxiety disorder in speech stimulation.

• 25 mg to 75 mg is used for sleep problems and generalized anxiety.

• 33 to 49 mg is used for post-traumatic stress disorder.

• 10 mg is used for bowel disease.

• 50 to 600 mg is used for cancer-related pain.

• 75 to 300 mg is used for Parkinson's disease.

• 600 mg is used for psychosis.

How to Use CBD?

CBD capsules are used with a recommended dosage that shows effect within 30 minutes. Topical CBD can be used with coconut oil, relieving it in 30 minutes to a few hours. Smoking CBD is done using a vape pen that turns CBD into inhaled vapors and shows effects within thirty seconds of inhaling.

Is It Possible to Take Too Much CBD?

CBD used beyond 1500 mg a day can have possible side effects such as diarrhea, changes in appetite, weight changes, changes in liver function, and fatigue.

What Kind of CBD Are Available?

The types of CBD available are:

• Isolate: Contains only CBD.

• Broad Spectrum: Contains CBD and other cannabinoids.

• Full Spectrum: Contains CBD, cannabinoids (refers to a group of compounds present in the cannabis plant) , and tetrahydrocannabinol (refers to active chemical found in cannabis).

How Long Does CBD Take To Work?

The form of CBD, dosage consumed, and body composition are the factors responsible for the duration of the CBD effect. Generally, the impact of CBD starts within 15 to 45 minutes when used through vaping or sublingually, whereas edible and topical products can take over an hour to start.

What Are Warnings for CBD Use?

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Are considered unsafe to consume CBD as these products could be contaminated with ingredients that have the potential to harm the infant or fetus.

• Children: CBD is approved for children with special conditions such as liver disease up to 25 mg of dosage.

Conclusion:

CBD is a safe and well-tolerated supplement that can be used to ease the various symptoms of anxiety. It is available in various forms, and its effect differs for different forms of consumption. CBD can only be consumed after consulting the doctor and purchased using a prescription only. It is a beneficial drug for relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.