The chemical cannabidiol (CBD) is one of several components found in cannabis plants. Recent research indicates that this component may be very helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms without the bothersome and often dangerous side effects experienced when using prescription drugs. In this article, we explain what CBD is and help you understand how it may be helpful to you in reducing symptoms of anxiety. Read on to learn more.
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD is available as an oil which is extracted from industrial hemp plants, a type of cannabis plant. The oil is filled with chemicals known as cannabinoids, and these chemicals have the ability to bind with receptors in the brain.
Another cannabinoid which is derived from marijuana plants is tetrahydrocannabinoid (THC). This cannabinoid has mood altering effects and results in the "high" people attain through ingesting or smoking marijuana.
Are CBD and THC Alike?
CBD and THC are not the same thing. Industrial hemp and marijuana are also not the same thing. They are two different types of cannabis plant.
There are actually several cannabinoids which can be extracted from cannabis plants. The important thing to understand is that all cannabinoids have the ability to bind to receptors in the brain, but different cannabinoids have different effects.
THC results in a high, CBD supports a wide variety of health benefits. Among them are anxiety reduction, improved mental health and even positive effects on cancerous growths.
How Can You Use CBD?
It's easy to add CBD oil to your daily routines because it can be used in many ways. It can be used for cooking, or it can be added to food as a flavoring. It can also be simply taken as a medication in the form of a few drops as needed.
Anecdotal information suggests that it may be helpful to massage it over painful joints to attain relief from arthritis pain.
One way you should not consume CBD is through smoking. It's not possible to smoke the oil, and there is absolutely no indication that doing so would provide you any benefits.
Can You Get High From CBD Extracted from Hemp?
In a word, no!
As mentioned, industrial hemp is not the same thing as marijuana. This hemp is an incredibly useful resource that can be used to produce a wide variety of textiles, fuels, building materials, food and medicine.
The big difference between industrial hemp and marijuana is that the amount of THC in industrial hemp is negligible or nonexistent. You could use industrial hemp all day and never get high, and you can consume CBD and never get high.
Even so, some industrial hemp products, for example hemp oil, may have trace elements of THC. This can cause a positive THC test result, and people who may be subject to random drug testing should be aware of this and be fully transparent about having used CBD oil.
What Can CBD Oil Do for Anxiety?
There are very few studies on the specific effects of CBD oil on anxiety, but the few that exist do provide promising information. Findings included:
- 1CBD oil promotes overall feelings of well-being
- 2Use of CBD oil may also help reduce symptoms of depression
- 3Use of CBD oil helps relieve anxiety symptoms in people who are severely afraid of public speaking
- 4CBD oil reduces symptoms of social anxiety by increasing blood flow to regions of the brain connected with anxious feelings
An analysis of all studies conducted up until 2015 concluded that CBD oil shows positive and measurable effects when used to cope with a wide variety of anxiety related symptoms and conditions including:
Even though the amount of research conducted on the use of CBD oil and anxiety is quite limited, results have overall been quite positive and promising.
Are There CBD Oil Risks?
In all of the studies conducted, risks and negative side effects were negligible or nonexistent. Even so, the use of CBD oil has not been legalized in every state. Before trying CBD oil, you should look into whether or not it is legal in your location.
Dosing information is nebulous because research has been limited. Talk with your doctor about how much CBD oil you should use, and/or carefully follow packaging instructions.