What Is the Best CBD Oil for Anxiety

CBD has been used in the medical industry to manage conditions like anxiety, pain, and insomnia due to its therapeutic benefits. Read below to find out the link between CBD oil and anxiety, the right dosage, and the possible side effects of the cannabinoid.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is an organic compound derived from the cannabis plant. It has taken the global medicinal and cosmetic market by storm due to its unwavering benefits to the human body. Some studies denote the importance of incorporating CBD products into one's regimen for an improved immune system and, in turn, better health. Recent anecdotal evidence also suggests that CBD oil can treat anxiety and related mental health complications such as depression.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental health condition defined by intense fear and worries about everyday situations. This condition is often an indicator of an underlying condition. When anxiety goes untreated, it affects your output and the overall quality of your life. Some of the causes of anxiety include;

• Prolonged drug use
• A physical condition
• Traumatic life occurrences

It is possible to self-diagnose anxiety, especially if you have one of the following symptoms;

• Contemplating suicide
• Inability to work or complete daily tasks

If your anxiety affects your quality of life, you should seek medical attention to avoid worsening your condition.

CBD Oil and Anxiety

According to VanDolah et al. (2019), CBD is an acronym for cannabidiol and is one of the profound compounds derived from the cannabis plant. Another notable compound of cannabis is THC, a psychoactive element. Most CBD products are sourced from the hemp plant since its THC content is relatively low, unlike marijuana plants, which are high in THC and low in CBD. In recent years, CBD has undergone extensive research due to its benefits in treating the following health complications;

• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Cancer
• Anxiety
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease

Devinsky et al. (2018) stated that the FDA has only approved, Epidiolex, a CBD-infused medication for treating two severe types of epilepsy; Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. Additionally, the FDA approved using CBD to treat seizures due to tuberculosis sclerosis complex. On the matter of CBD and anxiety, research states that it helps to boost serotonin levels in the brain to affect major biological occurrences in the body, such as;

• General Behaviour
• Mood
• Digestion
• Sleep

Liu et al. (2018) suggested that boosting the body's serotonin levels can positively impact anxiety, as with antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. If you are a beginner in CBD oil, moderate to low doses of the product are considered safe for everyday use, especially when used regularly and over a long period. There is no universal CBD oil dosage since the FDA does not consider it a supplement or a medication. However, experts and individuals in the medical field advise one to use CBD based on their age group.

The standard dose for adults is normally 15-30 mg daily. Although the recommended dose is higher for those battling conditions such as inflammation and pain, it is well tolerated among people with mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. You can consume your CBD oil in doses of 10-15 mg twice a day, after or before meals, or a single dose of 20-30 mg daily in the morning or evening. Some people find CBD oil to be activating, especially in individuals who suffer from sleep anxiety, especially when they consume it before bedtime. Most health practitioners recommend CBD oil dosages based on the patient's weight. The lower your weight, the less your CBD oil dosage.

When purchasing CBD oil, it is vital to check the company or brand since most brands sell faux products infused with contaminants and excessive amounts of THC. Below are some of the common side effects of CBD oil include the following;

• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Lowered blood pressure
• Increase appetite
• Dry mouth

These side effects are caused by mild sedation, which is often not an issue, especially for people battling very high anxiety levels. CBD oil, combined with other sedating medications, may cause excessive sedation, like most things that have a sedating effect on the body and mind.

CBD interactions

According to Iffland&Grotenhermen (2017), some of the side effects of CBD arise due to its interactions with other medications. Therefore, it is vital to consult your medical practitioner before using CBD oil with other medications. Bodies metabolize CBD oil the same way as most prescription drugs. If several compounds are rivalling to be broken down, the body undergoes an altered concentration, altering the functioning of the drug. Consumers should avoid taking CBD oil with;

• Alcohol
• Opioids
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Herbal products intended for sleep
• Benzodiazepines
• Antipsychotics

Moreover, certain medications may cause irreversible damage to the body when consumed with CBD. These medications include;

• Heart medication
• Thyroid medication
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Seizure medications such as valproate and lamotrigine

Conclusion

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is an organic substance from the cannabis plant. Due to its persistent perks for the human body, CBD is currently dominating the global pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets. According to some research, using CBD products in your routine might boost your immune system, leading to greater health. Additionally, recent anecdotal data claims that CBD oil may treat depression, anxiety, and other related mental health issues. According to studies, increasing serotonin levels within the body, as is the case with antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, can positively impact anxiety. If you're new to CBD oil, you should know that moderate to low doses of the substance are considered safe for daily use, especially when used repeatedly and for an extended period.

References

Devinsky, O., Verducci, C., Thiele, E. A., Laux, L. C., Patel, A. D., Filloux, F., ... & Friedman, D. (2018). Open-label use of highly purified CBD (Epidiolex®) in patients with CDKL5 deficiency disorder and Aicardi, Dup15q, and Doose syndromes. Epilepsy & Behavior, 86, 131-137.

Iffland, K., &Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.

Liu, Y., Zhao, J., & Guo, W. (2018). Emotional roles of mono-aminergic neurotransmitters in major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2201.

VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019, September). Clinicians' guide to cannabidiol and hemp oils. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 94, No. 9, pp. 1840-1851). Elsevier.