CBD has gained a lot of popularity in the recent past. It is marketed for its various health benefits, including its ability to alleviate anxiety. Here we look at the different ways of CBD uses for anxiety.

But before that,

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is among the chemicals found in hemp and marijuana. Another chemical compound found in cannabis sativa plants is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, which has a high effect.

Most CBD products are extracted from hemp plants. Unlike marijuana, hemp tends to have low THC amounts, meaning it won’t make us high.

CBD oil contains cannabinoids that are known to bind the brain receptors. CBD oil benefits include improved mental health, treating cancer cells, helping with depression and anxiety, and reducing chronic pain.

CBD is known to have potent pharmacological effects. Research conducted so far reveals that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can block enzymes that cause inflammation in the body.

As more and more states continue to legalize medical cannabis, many studies are being done regarding CBD benefits and its effects. Among other things, scientists are researching whether CBD can help eliminate anxiety disorders.

Anxiety is a common problem among U.S. citizens, with statistics showing that 1 in 13 people has anxiety disorder globally. Therefore, finding a quick and effective way to eliminate this problem is a challenge for most people.

Of course, some medications such as Valium and Xanax can offer quick relief for anxiety, but they are addictive. Other medications like Prozac can offer long term medication for anxiety but are not effective for everyone.

This is where CBD comes in as an alternative treatment for anxiety.

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What Does Research About CBD for Anxiety?

A 2017 survey revealed that about 40 percent of CBD users no longer use anti-anxiety medications. Instead, they use cannabis to manage anxiety disorder symptoms, with 40 percent saying that CBD effectively alleviates anxiety.

CBD is also known to treat severe medical issues like cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and anxiety. CBD capsules, CBD gummies, CBD topicals, tinctures, and other CBD products have gained increased popularity due to their perceived benefits and ease of use.

A study conducted in 2011 revealed that CBD helps reduce discomfort during public speaking for people with a social anxiety disorder. 

A 2019 study showed that CBD helps treat people with anxiety and sleep problems. About 80 percent of people with anxiety reported significant improvements, while 70 percent had improved sleep within the first month of use.

Most of the researches conducted so far have shown positive results, with some showing negative results. However, this hasn’t stopped people from using CBD for anxiety, which takes us to our primary focus.

How Should You Take CBD for Anxiety?

Researchers and scientists are yet to come up with the standard CBD dosage for anxiety. Even so, about 300 and 600 mg of CBD can help reduce anxiety symptoms in adults. More research is required to determine a standardized and effective dose.

When it comes to how to take CBD for anxiety, users have many forms and products to choose from, including:

1. Smoking

Smoking is the most common way of enjoying CBD. It provides an immediate way to enjoy CBD benefits. When you smoke CBD, the cannabinoid is directly sent to the lungs before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

CBD hemp is legal in many states of the U.S., provided it contains less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD hemp has gained increased popularity, making it an easy and quick way to enjoy the CBD benefits.

You may want to try smoking CBD flowers if CBD oil hasn’t worked for you. As you’ll see below in this post, CBD oil takes longer to get into your system, unlike CBD flower, which is almost instant.

Various CBD strains will have different effects on your system. Some of the best CBD strains for anxiety include Charlotte’s Web, Bubba Kush, Abacus, ACDC, Ringo’s Gift, etc.

But remember, smoking CBD can have adverse health effects like lung inflammation. It’s also challenging to measure your CBD intake when smoking.

2. Vaporizing

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If you want a clear and easier way to take CBD for anxiety, vaporizing might be the way to go. Vaporizing CBD allows it to enter into the bloodstream directly, thus offering a more immediate effect.

Some of the most common vaporizers for taking CBD include:

• Table-top vaporizer
• Oil-based vape pens
• Portable flower vapes
• Wax-based vape pens

Each of these vaporizers works differently. Therefore, you need to do due diligence before choosing the right one for you. Besides their range in pricing, vaporizers can be hard to use, especially for first-time users.

Also, vaping CBD can cause some health issues. Some vaporizers may contain contaminants such as lead and cadmium that can cause allergies. CBD’s effects from vaping can be felt within 1 -5 minutes of taking it.

3. CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are another great way to get CBD benefits for anxiety. CBD tinctures go through the process of alcohol or CO2 extraction. It is then combined with a flavor to improve its taste. Ethanol, vegetable glycerin, coconut oil, and other dissolving solutions are used to make tinctures.

Tinctures have played a significant medical role for ages. CBD tinctures are known to be the purest in CBD due to the minimal involvement in the extraction process. However, compared to CBD oil, CBD tinctures contain a lower amount of CBD.

The diluting power of alcohol and added flavors gives CBD tinctures a better taste. It’s administered using a dropper by placing it under the tongue. That way, it gets into the bloodstream quickly.

CBD tinctures have the same CBD benefits as other CBD products. You can expect to see results ten minutes after taking CBD tinctures, and the effects can last up to four hours.

4. CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are food infused with CBD. It is another excellent way to consume CBD for anxiety. CBD edibles come in different forms, including best CBD gummies, cookies, chocolates, taffy, teas, mints, drinks, chewing gum, etc.

When talking about oral consumption, CBD edibles are among the quickest ways to feel CBD effects. However, some researchers claim that the extent and absorption of CBD edibles into the bloodstream may be lower than other forms of CBD.

That said, you can lose between 6 and 20 percent of CBD in your digestive system when you take CBD edibles. CBD edibles will also have different results based on a person’s body.

Your body’s metabolism will determine how fast you’ll feel the effects of CBD. Even so, you can use various CBD edibles to alleviate anxiety disorders and get the desired results.

As when introducing something new to your system, it’s advisable to start low. CBD edibles may be ideal for you if you have a weaker palate or want a tastier way to take CBD.

5. CBD Oil

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As with CBD tinctures, alcohol or CO2 are involved in the extraction of CBD oil. CBD oil is arguably the cleanest and purest form of CBD.

If you’re wondering how to use CBD oil, don’t worry. CBD oil is also administered under the tongue using a dropper. However, unlike CBD tinctures, CBD oil can be used in a vape pen. CBD tinctures are only used using vape oils. When taken sublingually, CBD oil effects are felt almost instantly.

CBD oil is often combined with hemp oil, coconut oil, and Vitamin E. While CBD oil lacks in taste, it provides the same benefits as other CBD products. Since it has a higher concentration, CBD oil is ideal for chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, IBS, among other health problems.

CBD oil side effects include fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight, etc. 

6. CBD Isolate

If you’re looking for the purest form of CBD (consists only of cannabidiol), CBD isolate is the way to go. The extraction process of CBD isolates involves removing unwanted plant properties, which means only CBD is isolated. CBD isolates come in various forms, including powder.

You can use CBD isolate powder in baking, cooking, and in smoothies. You can also vaporize it or add it to the joints. CBD isolate can also be made into tinctures or topical.

Since various plant properties such as terpenes, flavonoids, and trichomes are removed during the isolation process, CBD isolate may be less active compared to CBD full spectrum. Despite this, CBD isolate may still provide the relief you want.

7. CBD Topical Products

Direct application of CBD oil is also an excellent way to relieve anxiety and stress. Besides being the largest organ in our bodies, the skin is porous and absorbent.

Once applied to the skin, these CBD topicals communicate with CB1 and CB2 receptors to ensure it interacts near the skin’s surface without entering the bloodstream. This way, you can feel topical effects in areas that you need them most, unlike when they travel through the body.

Some of the common CBD topical products include CBD balms, creams, lotions, salves, roll-ons, etc.

For better results, ensure to clean your skin before applying these topicals. The skin is always covered with dead skin, a layer of oil, and sediment that may interfere with these topicals’ absorption. Maintaining a higher level of hygiene is recommended when applying CBD tropicals.

CBD-infused products take about 15-30 minutes to work. However, these topical products are not the same and have different effects on individuals. They are ideal for skin irritants, muscle pain, arthritis, and many health problems that may be causing you stress.

8. CBD Tea

People have used plants to treat various diseases for many years. The hemp plant is known to have the same healing properties as other herbal teas. When combined with other popular teas, you can have an improved state of mind, which will reduce stress and anxiety.

Some popular herbal teas you can combine with CBD are chamomile, lavender, ashwagandha, turmeric, etc. However, ensure to use quality CBD that will dissolve in the water. Low-quality CBD will only ruin your tea and won’t provide the desired relief.

Stress can affect your ability to function. You won’t maintain a healthy relationship, excel in your work, or even sleep better. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or are going through a stressful experience, taking CBD tea will help your endocannabinoid system produce hormones that will help regulate your mood and make you calm and relaxed.

9. CBD Pills

Sometimes you may not want to smoke, eat, or even hold CBD under the tongue. In that case, CBD pills might come to your rescue. While it may take longer for some people to feel the effects of CBD pills, once it’s felt, it will last much longer.

There are different types of CBD pills, including powder capsules, solid tablets, and gel capsules. They also come in different sizes and shapes.

Since CBD pills are portable, they offer an excellent way to take CBD with discretion. CBD pills should be taken in moderation because they have different strengths.

CBD Dose for Anxiety

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Unfortunately, there’s no recommended standard CBD dose for anxiety. However, trials and researches are being conducted to determine the right dosage for anxiety. What’s more, FDA is still researching the drug before coming with appropriate regulations.

However, this shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying CBD benefits, especially in relieving anxiety and stress.  Research conducted so far has shown that CBD is a well-tolerated treatment. If you want to use it for anxiety, it’s advisable to start small.

Some factors you need to consider when deciding the right CBD dosage for anxiety mg include:

• Metabolism
• Bodyweight
• CBD concentration
• The extent of your anxiety

CBD concentration varies from one product to another. Sometimes your body chemistry will determine how you respond to CBD. Talk to your doctor or CBD specialist to help you determine the right CBD dosage for your situation.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD for Anxiety

CBD benefits do not come without side effects. Even if you use the purest form of CBD, you may still experience some side effects like:

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in weight

The best way to reduce these side effects is to start low and go slow. Try and balance the dosage so you can get the most out of it without adverse effects. Start low and increase slowly while observing how it makes you feel.

This way, you can know how your body is responding to the medication. Everyone has their unique dosage, and going slow allows you to determine yours. If still unsure about the right dosage for you, don’t hesitate to consult medical experts.

So, What’s the Best Way to Take CBD for Anxiety?

As you’ve seen, there are various ways to take CBD for anxiety. Each method interacts with the body differently and has varying effects. The best thing is to ensure that you choose the CBD oil for anxiety and choose a method that works best for you.

It’s also advisable to check the laws in your area about the use of CBD products. You may also want to talk to medical experts to help determine the right treatment for you. Your doctor will review CBD benefits as well as risks before making a recommendation.