A world of controversy surrounds the medical advantages of CBD up to now. Since we were younger, we were taught that marijuana or cannabis is extremely harmful to our health. But traces of evidence reveal that it was widely used even in ancient times for its medicinal benefits. In the United States, nearly all states have fine-tuned their marijuana laws, leading to more health stores restocking their shelves to meet their customers’ demands. They said it could help deal with a lot of diseases, including anxiety.
Before we look further into the importance of CBD to reduce anxiety symptoms, let’s dig deeper into what anxiety disorders are.
First Things First, What Are Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety is a normal reaction of our bodies to stress. In fact, it’s beneficial in some circumstances, warning and helping us to be ready for potential dangers ahead. All of us are faced with anxiety on some occasions, like when there are disputes in the workplace or before a job interview or taking an exam. That’s fine. What’s not are anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental disorders people experience, involving extreme worry, fear, dread, and nervousness. When it becomes intense, it causes constant fear that can even make you stop activities you used to find delight in doing. In some cases, it also leaves you getting scared of getting in an elevator, crossing the street, or leaving your house.
5 Major Types of Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive condition (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social phobia or Social anxiety disorder
What Is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a type of chemical called cannabinoid, which is naturally present in cannabis plants. It is among the most active substances extracted from hemp to be used in CBD products, such as oils or edibles. As opposed to another type called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t make you “high” or intoxicated.
With CBD products’ popularity soaring and trending in the market, manufacturers now include and infuse CBD in many different applications. In short, it’s getting added to anything and everything.
CBD Products List
1. Edibles (chocolates, gummies, hard candies, mac and cheese, lollipop, hummus, cakes, honey, jelly beans, cereal, cheese puffs, mustard, olive oil, coconut oil, gum, etc.)
2. Supplements (inhaler, tincture/drops, patch, green superfood supplements, post-workout recovery drink, shatter/isolates, suppositories, capsules/softgels, etc.)
3. Body Care (massage oil, intimate lube, face oil, bath bombs and soaks, lotion, hand cream, balm, face mask, body scrub, eye serum, face moisturizers, beard balm, deodorant, etc.)
4. Smoking (vaping, flowers/joints, etc.)
5. Drinks (seltzer/sparkling water, coffee, soda, beer, water, k-cups, cocktails, energy drink, tea, etc.)
6. Pet Items (animal tincture, pet tropicals, pet treats)
How Does CBD Work?
CBD has been long used clinically to treat children with seizures. It turns out, promising preliminary data suggests that it can also help with anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, depression, cancer, pain, inflammatory diseases, substance use disorders, and others.
Furthermore, a study found out that increased serotonin levels can help treat anxiety. Serotonin or also called a “happy chemical,” is a chemical in the brain controlling mood, food digestion, sleep, feeling of happiness, etc. Low levels of serotonin can cause stress and anxiety, sleep trouble, and depression. CBD is believed to work by increasing serotonin levels, similar to how antidepressants function.
What Do Studies Say About CBD and Anxiety?
A 2019 research attempted to use CBD to treat people struggling with anxiety and sleep. They found out that almost 80% of these individuals’ anxiety improved while nearly 70% reported that their sleep problems have gotten better, both in 2 months.
In another study in the same year, out of eleven patients with PTSD, 91% experienced reduced symptoms after taking CBD.
On the other hand, a review of 49 studies in 2015 found evidence that CBD could aid in panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress trauma (PTSD).
Keep in Mind
Though studies are finding out that CBD can help treat a wide variety of illnesses, remember that it is not a “magic cure.” Besides, we need more research to show its efficacy and whether it’s safe for many health conditions.
While it’s easy to acquire CBD products on the market, know that it’s not properly regulated. Moreover, the components and quantities described on the bottle might not be the same as what’s inside. Most importantly, research marijuana laws in your state or country before buying. If you’re on the lookout for delectable CDB products, see edibles here by Birch and Fog.