CBD and Anxiety

CBD and Anxiety, Houston.

Research on possible benefits of CBD and Anxiety by OilWell CBD of Houston, TX

Cannabidiol, also known as “CBD,” is used as a natural home remedy for a wide variety of ailments. Scientists have been excitedly researching CBD as a treatment for anxiety, and it is showing great promise. Due to only very recently overcoming hurdles with federal cannabis laws, which included hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) until 2018, new research and clinical trials are being released nearly constantly. One of the most researched uses for CBD is the treatment of anxiety, and it has been shown to decrease feelings of anxiety with little to no side effects. 

About CBD and Anxiety 

Many people mistakenly compare full-spectrum CBD to tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This is because THC is also found in cannabis and hemp plants. However, CBD acts very differently in your body than THC; instead of a “high” feeling, users experience a calmness that counteracts anxiety, stress, and depression. CBD has a positive interaction with serotonin receptors, and scientists are researching its effects on chronic anxiety. This is very good news for those who have been prescribed pharmaceutical anxiety medications that can have detrimental long-term effects as well as cause insufferable and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Some side effects of pharmaceutical anxiety medications can even be counter-intuitive to taking the medication in the first place.

Side effects of pharmaceutical anxiety medications:

  • Increased anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Memory problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Upset stomach
  • Changes in vision
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Panic attacks
  • Confusion
  • Headache
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor balance

Serotonin and Anxiety

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects anxiety, learning, sleep, aggression, reward activity, cognition, appetite, and happiness. It is produced primarily in the digestive tract, despite most people believing it only resides in the brain. CBD binds to all major serotonin binding sites, unlike classical cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, which it seems to have little to no effect on. This is great news for anxiety sufferers, as CBD seems to act as an inhibitor for anxiety, while helping to regulate what can be triggers to anxiety sufferers, such as an irregular sleep schedule, cyclical thoughts, and depression. 

Symptoms of Anxiety / Anxiety Disorder:

  • Anxiety disorder, while “all in your head” can produce very real symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorder are
  • Shortness of breath
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Racing thoughts
  • Excessive worry
  • Excessive fear
  • Fear of impending doom
  • Obsessive thoughts
  • Sweating
  • Heart palpitations

If you feel you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, consult your doctor and develop a treatment plan before adding any supplements into your diet.

Research on CBD as a treatment option has been heavily focused on seizures and anxiety, which means there is much more reference material available for anxiety sufferers who want to understand the science behind why full-spectrum CBD might be a good option for them. Research has shown that at a moderate to high dosage, CBD directly activates the serotonin receptors 5-HT-1A, which correlates to patients experiencing an anti-anxiety effect. 

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting approximately one in five people. If you are suffering from anxiety, you are far from alone. CBD may be a great natural way to supplement your treatment plan but talk to your doctor, especially if you are taking any other medications.

This statement is for informational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information, nor recommended product, is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are already undergoing treatments for anxiety or you feel you are suffering from anxiety or anxiety disorder, speak with your doctor about the benefits of supplementing your treatment plan with full-spectrum CBD oil. It is important to always discuss supplementing with herbal supplements with a medical professional, as pharmaceutical drugs can have interactions with herbal supplements. Ask your doctor about incorporating full-spectrum CBD oil in conjunction with your treatment plan, or substituting full-spectrum CBD oil for your pharmaceutical drugs.