CBD and Stress

Numerous studies now show CBD help with arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, muscle spasms, epilepsy, anxiety, and stress. This blog sheds light on CBD and stress, including how the cannabinoid works for stress, types of CBD, and how much you need to restore your inner calm and peace.

 CBD is seriously sweeping the medical field. Available in the form of oils, capsules or gummies, lotions, bath bombs, skin care products, and edibles, CBD is believed to boost energy levels, improve sleep quality, relieve pain and elbow out stress. Due to this, it has become a popular ingredient in painkillers, sleep aids, energy boosters, and stress relievers. Products for stress relief are made with different types of CBD. Some harbor full-spectrum CBD while others broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. These spectrums have varying levels of cannabis compounds.

What is CBD?

CBD is a natural substance found in hemp plants and marijuana. This cannabinoid enjoys a stellar reputation in the medical field alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Also known as Delta-9 THC, THC has psychoactive effects. This means it is responsible for the high sensation people experience when taking cannabis Sativa. Cannabis extract is quite the opposite of THC. According to Potter et al. (2014), CBD is non-psychoactive. While numerous compounds exist in the cannabis plant, CBD and THC are the most popular. Both CBD and THC interact with receptors that regulate the immune and inflammatory response, mood, sleep, memory and pain. This means THC can also relax or relieve stress.

How CBD Relaxes or Relieves Stress

Schonhofen et al. (2018) suggested that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) found in your body. As a result, cortisol levels drop, promoting your inner calm and peace. The ECS contains cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. The two receptors include CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors. While the former is found in the central nervous system, the latter exists in the immune cells. CBD interacts with CB1 receptors, stimulating the body to produce its endocannabinoid compounds. On the other hand, THC causes produce euphoric feelings. While these cannabinoids interact with the ECS differently, they can make you feel better.

Types of CBD for Stress

As briefly mentioned, there are three types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. The key difference among these forms of CBD is the amount of THC and other cannabis compounds. Here is a full breakdown;

Full-Spectrum CBD

As the name suggests, this form of CBD has all compounds found in cannabis plants. The THC level in full-spectrum is less than 0.3 %, meaning you are less likely to get high. One thing to remember is that full spectrum CBD and whole plant CBD are different. While both cause the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD is usually more refined than whole-plant CBD.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

For broad-spectrum CBD, terpenes and other compounds are present. However, it harbors little or no THC. Broad-spectrum THC can also cause the entourage effect.

CBD Isolate

Boehnke et al. (2021) suggested that products made with CBD isolate lack other compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are the best when you want to address your stress without altering your mind or experiencing the high effect. The isolate products are ideal when you have a drug test around the corner; even trace amounts of THC may make you fail a drug test.

What Are the CBD Products for Stress?

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals are special topical grooming products. They include CBD-infused lotions, lip balms, cosmetics, and bath bombs. It is worth noting that CBD applied to the skin does not reach your bloodstream. Instead, it interacts with the ECS on your skin, helping with various skin-related conditions.

Vapes

Vapes allow you to utilize CBD through inhalation. Once inhaled, CBD goes to your lungs and then your bloodstream. Because CBD bypasses the digestive system, you are more likely to experience the effects within a short time.

Edibles

This category harbors foods and drinks that contain CBD. Like normal foods and drinks, edibles go through the digestive system. As a result, their effects may take time to kick in.

Capsules

CBD capsules are swallowed like normal tablets. Like edibles, they go through the digestive system. This means their effects can take hours to kick in. Most CBD capsules come with extra ingredients to reduce stress and improve your quality of life.

Oils

CBD oils are made with CBD extracts and career oil. They are utilized in many ways, including sublingual and topical applications.

Tinctures

CBD tinctures are made with alcohol rather than career oil. Most manufacturers also use natural flavorings to boost their taste.

Other Conditions CBD Can Cure

Diabetes

According to Atalay et al. (2020), CBD is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it reduces inflammation, controls insulin resistance, and promotes healthy blood sugar levels.

Arthritis

Studies show that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, it is touted as a necessary way to treat arthritis. 

Cardiovascular Disease

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can control inflammation often tied to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Learn more about cbd for stress & anxiety

Alzheimer's Disease

While the jury is still out on whether CBD can treat or prevent Alzheimer's disease, the available body of research shows hope for relief. Learn more about stress relief and cbd

CBD Dosage

Some CBD products, including edibles, show the amount you should consume on the label. However, others, including oils and tinctures, may require you to start small as you watch how your body reacts. You can gradually increase the dose from there until you get the desired results.

How to Consume CBD

There is no straightforward answer to ''How to consume CBD''. The method of consumption heavily depends on the type of CBD product you choose to work with.

The Bottom Line

While the available body of research is promising, it is hard to conclude whether or not CBD works for stress. That is why there is a need for further studies before people can make CBD their go-to stress reliever. The cannabis derivative is also an alternative treatment for medical conditions including arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Notably, CBD is well tolerated in the body. However, excess dosage or improper usage may result in side effects.

References

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Boehnke, K. F., Gagnier, J. J., Matallana, L., & Williams, D. A. (2021). Substituting cannabidiol for opioids and pain medications among individuals with fibromyalgia: a large online survey. The journal of pain, 22(11), 1418-1428.

Potter, D. J. (2014). A review of the cultivation and processing of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) for production of prescription medicines in the UK. Drug testing and analysis, 6(1-2), 31-38.

Schonhofen, P., Bristot, I. J., Crippa, J. A., Hallak, J. E. C., Zuardi, A. W., Parsons, R. B., & Klamt, F. (2018). Cannabinoid-based therapies and brain development: potential harmful effect of early modulation of the endocannabinoid system. CNS drugs, 32(8), 697-712.