Anxiety affects one in 13 people around the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). So, with your pounding heart, sweaty palms, and debilitating thoughts rushing through your head – can you use CBD for anxiety?
Currently, preliminary studies from various sources have shown promising results. But if you are already on anti-anxiety medication, don’t change your treatment to CBD. Until CBD can work quicker to address anxiety attacks, you should stay on track.
Also, we’re not doctors. We just talk about CBD and cannabis a lot. Like a lot. Anyway! How does CBD work?
But how does CBD work?
We’ve spoken about the Endocannabininoid System (ECS) before. ECS is a biological system that uses cannabinoids to flip internal switches in the body.
So, to quote ourselves:
“By “flip” we mean it activates certain bodily functions. While the researchers are still sorting out what exactly the ECS does, it is said that it’s responsible for:
- Physiological and cognitive processes;
- Possibly activating fertility, pregnancy, pre-and-postnatal development;
- Various activities in the immune system;
- Appetite;
- Pain sensation;
- Mood;
- And memory.
The system has cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), which absorb and express hormones in the body.
So, surprise, there’s actually a little bit of cannabinoids in everyone! Tell that to your conservative uncle, he makes cannabis every day! But wait!
There’s still more about the ECS!”
Now, that we understand how CBD interacts with your body, let’s talk about how you can use CBD for anxiety.
Generally Good News About Using CBD for Anxiety
As we’ve mentioned, studies conducted about the effects of CBD and its possible use to treat anxiety have been positive.
During 2011 two separate studies were conducted. The first was able to link CBD to reducing anxiety brought on by public speaking. While the second found that people suffering from social anxiety disorder did better with CBD.
In 2015 there was a review of 49 studies that found CBD could help with generalised anxiety. So, generally good news about using CBD for anxiety.
This being said, a study in 2017 found that it actually increased anxiety in some people. Making it the outlier in string of good news about CBD.
As a FYI, this study subjected volunteers to an immersive 3D virtual-reality session that was used to bring on anxiety… Basically, they were subjected to situations and had to react.
While, we’re not scientists this causes us to panic a little bit.
Anyway, how should you digest CBD for anxiety?
How to Digest CBD for Anxiety?
Well, you can consume CBD in a million and one ways.
And actually, we at Zootly stock them all!
You can enjoy it via drops, drops in your beverage, candies, smoking it, and more.
For faster digestion, it’s best to smoke your CBD via a vape device. When consuming edibles it can take up to an hour or more to kick in.
To be honest, you do you!
But are there side effects.
Side effects?
For those worried about consuming CBD you must remember to start slow. Don’t take your friend’s advice that strong 1000mg is for you! CBD can affect people differently, just like alcohol.
You wouldn’t give an 18 year old a million shots of tequila… Unless they’ve helped themselves.
Which in that case you might need to pump their stomach. But with CBD your side effect might include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- And the worst diarrhoea.
Which is fairly mild and won’t require an ER visit at 03:00 in the morning.
This being said, there’s some potential that CBD could interact with warfarin (Coumadin). This is a medication that prevents blood clots. Also, according to the US Department of Health there is the potential that CBD could interact with:
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Antihistamines
- Opioids
- Antipsychotics
- And calcium channel blockers.
But this slide show does cite studies from 1999, which only means more studies are needed to find the truth.
Where can I purchase CBD for Anxiety?
Lucky for you, Zootly stocks South Africa’s best locally made CBD products! This is the Zootly Care Section, where you can find everything from CBD spray to topicals!
Because you deserve everything! Also, the modern world is an extremely stressful place! So, getting all the help to manage your anxiety is welcome!
