Does CBD oil Work for Anxiety?

The human body has millions of receptors as part of its Endocannabinoid system or ECS. Each group of receptors are responsible for carrying out certain bodily functions. Let’s not assume receptors are only responsible for physical duties! Receptors are protein-based chemical structures that are attached to your cells. They receive signals from different stimuli.

CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively.

The exact way CBD affects CB1 receptors in the brain isn’t fully understood. However, it may alter serotonin signals.

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays an important role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with people who have depression. In some cases, not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety.

The conventional treatment for low serotonin is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). SSRIs are only available by prescription.

Some people with anxiety may be able to manage their condition with CBD instead of an SSRI. However, you should talk to your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.

Types of Anxiety

Several studies point to the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety.

For CBD oil for generalized anxiety

For generalized anxiety disorder, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals.

Study subjects were observed as having lower signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved.

More research needs to be done, specifically on humans and GAD.

For other forms of anxiety

CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more on PTSD and what may cause it, click here. It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well.

In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

Multiple recent studies have shown that CBD can help with PTSD symptoms, such as having nightmares and replaying negative memories. These studies have looked at CBD as both a standalone PTSD treatment as well as a supplement to traditional treatments like medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).

For other neurological disorders

There have been other studies relating to CBD and neurologic disorders.

A CBD study conducted in 2017 found that there is no rock-solid evidence relating to CBD and depression. Do not be discouraged by these finds. Here’s why.

The authors were able to find evidence to suggest that CBD could help with anxiety disorders. Although these studies were uncontrolled meaning there was no group to compare the results with. Basically, there was not one group that took CBD vs. another group that did not take it.

There needs to be a more controlled study and it is warranted for humans. The findings in animals alone lend to the fact that CBD could be a very effective treatment for anxiety.

In addition to this, a study done in 2016 found that CBD can have antipsychotic effects in people with schizophrenia.

CBD is a natural product and is for the most part safe to use. There are some medication interactions that you should consider before taking CBD. For a list of the medications that may interact with CBD, click here.

• diarrhea
• fatigue
• changes in appetite
• changes in weight

Always speak to a doctor first if you have any concerns with how CBD could interact with your current medication. One rule of thumb is that CBD interacts with medications in the same way as grapefruit does.

Symptoms of withdrawal could be:

• irritability
• dizziness
• nausea
• fogginess