There’s a lot of hype surrounding the use of CBD for anxiety. Considering that nearly a third of all Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point, it’s understandable that people are continuously looking for new ways to manage their symptoms.
In recent years, there’s been a significant emphasis on finding natural tactics to manage anxiety outside of taking prescribed medications. As a compound found in the cannabis plant, cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic supplement found in many stress-relieving products.
If you’ve seen CBD products for anxiety on the shelf, but you’re not sure what they’re all about, here’s what you need to know.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a natural chemical found in cannabis. However, it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient that procedures a “high” in cannabis products. This means that CBD is legal in the United States, as long as it comes from hemp, with no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Typically, you’ll find CBD products sold as oils, edibles, and topicals. These items are not medicinal but can be used as at-home aids for health conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
How CBD Can Impact Anxiety
So, does CBD really work for anxiety? Let’s take a look at what the research says.
According to a 2015 CBD and anxiety study presented by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it seems that CBD may help minimize feelings of anxiety by affecting the body’s serotonin levels. This chemical impacts everything from our moods and behavior to our sleep quality.
More recently in 2019, The Permanente Journal published a large case study on cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep. The findings indicated that 80% of people reported lower anxiety and nearly 70% experienced better sleep within the first month of using CBD.
In 2022, a study conducted in Mexico found that four patients (ages between 24 and 54) with anxiety disorders experienced mitigated symptoms after using CBD – and they had not responded well to conventional treatment in the past, such as antidepressant medications.
There are many other studies on CBD for anxiety that we could reference, as well as many studies that are being currently conducted. Overall, the consensus among these studies is that some users may experience better sleep and fewer anxiety-related symptoms while regularly using safe CBD products.
Of all the Americans using CBD, nearly half have reported using it to minimize the symptoms of anxiety. As research continues to make headlines, we expect to see that number continuously grow.
Using CBD for Anxiety Symptom Management
How much CBD should I take for anxiety?
There is no specific CBD dose for anxiety symptom management. A study published by the University of Washington in 2017 did indicate that 300 mg to 600 mg was shown to reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorders. However, more research is needed to support this finding.
At Just a Little Herb, we recommend that new people new to CBD products start with a low dosage (300 mg or under), then work their way up. This is the best way to assess how your body responds to CBD products and what kind of dosage you need.
What kinds of CBD products can help with anxiety?
Full-spectrum cannabidiol oil is widely used for anxiety. Still, many users opt for CBD gummies, as well as some CBD capsules or lotions.
How quickly will I feel CBD effects on my anxiety?
CBD oils tend to elicit a response in less than two hours – sometimes as quickly as within 30 minutes. Tinctures tend to enter the bloodstream quickly, which helps users feel CBD effects on anxiety without waiting for long.
Note: Your health condition, body chemistry, and weight can all impact how you respond to CBD products used for anxiety. If you have questions about using CBD or how it may interact with other medications you are taking, we always recommend that you consult your doctor.
What to Look for in CBD Products Taken for Anxiety
Should you decide to try CBD for stress relief or anxiety, make sure you are purchasing one that is full-spectrum and sourced from a reputable seller. Unfortunately, not all CBD products are created equally.
Additionally, you cannot always trust the CBD dosage level reported on store-bought products. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association tested 84 CBD products from 31 different companies. The researchers found that 26% had less CBD than claimed on their respective labels and 43% had more.
The bottom line is that you should shop for CBD products made with high standards and quality ingredients. It’s also important to find CBD oils that have been tested by third-party labs and that have a certificate of analysis (COA). This ensures you know exactly what is in the product you plan to use.
At Just a Little Herb, all of our products are naturally sourced. We only use the highest-quality ingredients for our CBD oils, and every single one has been thoroughly tested and certified by a trusted third-party lab.
Our team believes you should know precisely what you’re getting every time you buy a supplement. That’s why transparency and quality are two of our biggest values.
Interested in Trying CBD for Anxiety?
Millions of people are using CBD for anxiety throughout the United States. If you’re ready to supplement your wellness routine with a natural aid, it might be time for you to try using a high-end CBD oil of your own.
Just a Little Herb was founded in 2020 by a licensed physician assistant. Over the last few years, we’ve worked to build a selection of products that are all-natural, safe, and effective.
Prescribed medications aren’t always the only choice – and we want to connect people with herbal remedies when conventional treatments have failed.
To learn if CBD can help with your anxiety symptoms, explore our full range of products. You can also contact us online with any questions you might have.