You’re probably living under a rock if you haven’t heard of Cannabidiol (CBD). The latter is the non-psychoactive constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD has drawn major attention as a pharmacologically broad-spectrum remedy with a range of health benefits, one of which is relief from symptoms of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety.
Many clinical, human experimental, and epidemiological studies have established that when administered at specific doses, CBD can effectively manage the symptoms associated with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
So, in today’s article, we’ll assess the efficacy of CBD Oil for anxiety and its potential to manage anxiety-related disorders.
Source: Sage Neuroscience Center
Table of Contents
CBD Oil for Anxiety: How Does it Work?
Currently, it is not completely understood how CBD oil helps alleviate anxiety. Certain research studies show that its mechanism of action may be by influencing serotonin levels within the brain, similar to medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs.
Serotonin is a chemical in the body that helps regulate various bodily processes, such as mood, digestion, behavior, and sleep. Scientists suggest that raising serotonin levels might help treat anxiety.
CBD Oil for Generalized Anxiety
A small trial in 2011 tested the effects of CBD on individuals with generalized social anxiety disorder (SAD) and a healthy control group was administered a simulated public speaking test (SPST), a common method to evaluate anxiety. Compared to a placebo, cannabidiol significantly alleviated anxiety and uneasiness among individuals with SAD to such an extent that it was comparable to control participants.
In 2019, a study compared the effectiveness of three CBD doses among men undergoing a Simulated Public Speaking Test (SPST). As compared to a placebo, a dose of 300 mg significantly decreased anxiety during speech, whereas 150 mg and 600 mg had no effects. These results indicate how dosage plays a vital role in CBD’s effectiveness and how a higher amount doesn’t necessarily mean better results.
Another study conducted in 2019 further assessed this aspect of effective CBD dosage. Individuals consumed doses much lower than in other clinical trials – 25 mg per day, 50 mg per day, or 75 mg per day. Surprisingly, most individuals experienced a decrease in their symptoms of anxiety during the first month and these effects persisted. Moreover, sleep improved, and a negligible number of participants experienced any side effects.
CBD Oil for Depression and Anxiety
A study conducted in 2020 evaluated the effects of CBD oil at varying doses among 397 individuals with different ailments. Patients with mental health-related symptoms or non-cancer pain showed significant improvement in symptoms of depression, anxiety, pain relief, and their ability to successfully execute everyday activities.
CBD Oil for Anxiety: What Dosage Should You Take?
For anyone using CBD oil for anxiety, experts recommend starting with a small dosage and gradually increasing it according to how your symptoms improve. However, dosages vary considerably among individuals and depend on many factors such as age, gender, metabolism, dependence, etc.
Source: GoodRx
According to different clinical trials, higher CBD dosages for anxiety relief include 600 mg in patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during speech simulation studies and 300 mg in men during speech simulation studies.
Clinical trials administering lower doses with effective results include 25 to 75 mg for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and/or sleep disorders and 33 to 49 mg per day for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) along with routine psychiatric treatment.
Overall, CBD studies including hundreds of patients concluded that dosages between 40 mg to 300 mg per day effectively reduced anxiety and improved mental health symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Many research studies have established CBD to be an effective add-on treatment for managing numerous physiological and psychological ailments, including anxiety. Despite the research results having certain limitations, such as a small sample size and lack of information about the long-term effects of CBD usage, there is sufficient evidence to ascertain the safety and efficacy of CBD oil for anxiety.
CBD oil is relatively easy to purchase online, but since these products aren’t regulated by the FDA, there are many low-quality products on the market. For safe and regulated products made using pure CBD and CBD isolates, log on to www.canxcbd.com. We feature a variety of CBD products for managing numerous health benefits, so you’re sure to find something for you!
FAQ’s
1. Is CBD oil effective for anxiety?
Individuals who received CBD oil to manage anxiety reported an overall decrease in anxiety. Various research studies show that CBD helps manage PTSD symptoms, improves sleep, and helps forget negative memories.
2. How long should you use CBD to reduce anxiety?
Using CBD as a dietary supplement can take four to six weeks to effectively produce benefits, particularly for relieving anxiety and stress.
3. How should you take CBD for anxiety?
CBD is commonly taken in dosages of 10-15 mg twice daily or as a single dose of 20-30 mg per day. It can be taken with or without meals.
