Anormed UK

CBD For Anxiety: What Does The Science Say?


In recent years, more and more people have started to take CBD – with around 6 million people in the UK trying CBD products.


But is there any evidence of the therapeutic benefits of CBD for various health issues? And can it help to treat anxiety? Millions of people in the UK are affected by mental health disorders including depression and anxiety – and many of these people try CBD to help alleviate anxiety symptoms.


In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the evidence behind the benefits of CBD for anxiety, including its anxiolytic effects. Read on to learn more about CBD and whether there is scientific evidence that CBD works in anxiety treatment.


What is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike its counterpart THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t induce a “high” sensation.


CBD can be extracted from both hemp and non-hemp plants. Hemp is classed as any component of the cannabis sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% THC – the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.


The legality of CBD can vary depending on the location, but many regions have embraced its use for medicinal purposes. In the UK, CBD is legal and authorised. That being said, CBD companies must meet certain requirements – and promote CBD as dietary supplements as opposed to drugs.


Why Do People Take CBD?

There are many potential benefits of CBD – people take CBD for many different reasons to improve their physical and mental well-being. For example, many people take CBD to relieve chronic pain (e.g. cancer pain).


This is because it may interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed to support the benefits of CBD for pain.


Additionally, CBD is popular for managing anxiety and stress, as it could influence serotonin receptors in the brain. Some people turn to CBD for improved sleep, as it could potentially help regulate sleep cycles. Its anti-seizure properties have also led to its use as a potential treatment for epilepsy.


Overall, people are drawn to CBD for its potential natural remedies, aiming to enhance their quality of life without the intoxicating effects of traditional cannabis. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD into your routine.


The Effectiveness of CBD for Anxiety

Numerous studies and clinical trials have explored the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety and social anxiety.


Evidence suggests that CBD has the potential to be used as a treatment for a range of disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder when administered acutely.


It is thought that CBD may have anxiolytic effects, meaning it has the potential to reduce anxiety symptoms. That being said, more research is needed for the therapeutic effects in clinical settings.


Another study explored the effects of CBD on the underlying brain mechanisms in those with generalised social anxiety disorder (GSAD). The study used functional neuroimaging to investigate this – and found that CBD does in fact reduce anxiety due to the effects on activity in the paralimbic and limbic brain areas.


A third study explored whether CBD helps to improve sleep and/ or anxiety. The study found that cortisol levels decreased when given oral CBD (300 to 600 mg). This suggests that higher doses of CBD could be beneficial for those with anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy.


Is CBD Safe for Treating Anxiety?

Safety is key when using any medication, supplement or health product – and CBD is no exception. Most people react well to CBD, with very few reported side effects. Some potential side effects to be aware of when taking CBD include drowsiness, fatigue, reduced appetite, diarrhoea and dry mouth.


Not everybody reacts the same to CBD. Some people may experience side effects, whereas others will report no side effects. If you are new to taking CBD, you should begin with a low dosage (around 10 mg to 20 mg per day) and gradually increase as needed.


It’s also important to source CBD products from high-quality sources. Look for products that have been tested by third-party laboratories for quality and purity. Only buy from reputable suppliers that are transparent about the product’s origin and the manufacturing process.


How to Take CBD for Anxiety

CBD can come in many different configurations. One of the most popular choices is CBD oil. You take CBD oil sublingually – this means you place a small amount of CBD drops under your tongue. This method is popular as it absorbs the CBD quickly into your bloodstream.


Another popular choice is CBD gummies. These can come in different shapes, sizes and flavours – and offer a tasty, convenient way to incorporate CBD into your routine. You can also find CBD topical creams on the market. You simply apply these directly to your skin – many users report relief for conditions such as pain and inflammation.


CBD products come in two different spectrums – full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural compounds found in the cannabis plant, including a small amount of THC.


On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD has these compounds without THC. This makes it a suitable option if you want to avoid any psychoactive effects caused by THC.


Is CBD Addictive?

In short, no – CBD isn’t considered an addictive substance. This is because it does not generally contain THC – which is associated with the potential for addiction.


CBD interacts with different receptors in the brain than those involved in addiction. This makes CBD a potentially safer option if you are concerned about the addictive properties often associated with marijuana use.


In fact, it is even thought that CBD could be used as an intervention for addictive behaviours. This is because it’s thought to affect the different neuronal circuits associated with drug addiction.


Unlike CBD, cannabis can be psychologically addictive. This means that it can feel difficult to stop smoking cannabis if you use it frequently. If you think you have an addiction, our experts at Anormed are here to help.


We can ensure you receive the cannabis addiction treatment you deserve. Trust us to secure you a spot at the most suitable rehab clinic for you. Alternatively, we can help you detox from cannabis and begin your sober life.


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