How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take for Anxiety?

CBD has garnered a positive reputation from new and avid users alike. Scientists suggest that it effectively reduces anxiety, but how many gummies are necessary to guarantee its efficacy? Read on to learn more about CBD gummies, how many you should take for anxiety, the other benefits of CBD gummies, and the possible side effects.

Most people are often confused by the idea of consuming CBD gummies, let alone the right dosage. Although studies around CBD gummies are still being conducted to discover more, it has grown more popular due to their almost indispensable therapeutic benefits. The gummies are delicious, chewy, and easily customizable. Furthermore, they can be prepared locally to suit your dosage and taste preferences. If you are starting your journey concerning CBD gummies, then you're definitely at the right place.

Furthermore, it's crucial to learn how CBD gummies relieve anxiety and the precise dosage required. Although CBD gummies have a few side effects, it often works effectively to the user's benefit. Interestingly, you do not have to worry too much about its legality since CBD products like Epidiolex have already been approved by the Medical Health and Research Institute.

Understanding CBD – Is It Worth the Hype?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is often described as an organic chemical compound obtained from the hemp plant. For further context, it is worth noting that hemp is a plant strain of the cannabis plant, similar to marijuana. However, marijuana and hemp have various chemical differences. For example, hemp has higher amounts of CBD, while marijuana has lower amounts. On the other hand, marijuana has higher amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive chemical compound that causes 'high' sensations and alters the human's normal brain functioning when consumed.

CBD is a non-psychoactive chemical compound since it has low THC levels (below 0.3%). Furthermore, CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD have no THC since it is completely removed from these types of cannabidiol.

Cannabidiol also has other vital chemical compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. Terpenes are organic chemical compounds responsible for a plant's scent. On the other hand, flavonoids are natural chemical compounds that protect body tissues from oxidation. Gadotti et al. (2021) stated that terpenes have analgesic properties that relieve joint aches and muscle pains.

How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take for Anxiety?

Frequent and infrequent CBD users may be uncertain about the right amount of CBD gummies to consume. Like any other product or medication, overdosing may cause side effects like diarrhea. Therefore, consuming the right dosage approved by your doctor is important.

CBD gummies relieve anxiety by interacting uniquely with the endocannabinoid system. (ECS). The ECS is a complex system that signals various physiological processes in the human body. It comprises enzymes, endocannabinoids, neurotransmitters, and endocannabinoid receptors.

The ECS maintains a state of balance in the body by influencing sleep, breathing, and digestion. In addition, the endocannabinoid receptors have a similar structure to the cannabinoids in CBD. Endocannabinoid receptors include CB1 and CB2 receptors found in various body parts. While CB1 receptors are abundant in the central nervous system, CB2 receptors are mainly in the peripheral nervous system and other body parts like the skin.

CBD binds indirectly with CB2 receptors, thus transmitting electric signals that alleviate inflammation and pain. In addition, CBD triggers the activity of GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) in the brain, thus relieving stress and anxiety. CBD also triggers the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin that relieve stress, depression, and anxiety by alleviating higher cortisol levels.

It is worth noting that CBD enhances the activity of endocannabinoids such as anandamide. Chye et al. (2019) stated that it influences sleep, and higher levels of anandamide are known to elevate sleep quality. Furthermore, anandamide works synergically with the melatonin hormone to trigger deep sleep, which helps in relieving anxiety, stress, and depression.

CBD dosage remains a 'grey area' as there is no concrete result or 'one size fits all dosage to be recommended. Furthermore, the Medical Health and Research Institute (MHRI) does not regulate the dosage of CBD gummies for anxiety. CBD works differently, depending on the patient's unique endocannabinoid system. Moreover, various factors influence the right dosage to consume, for example, age, weight, frequency of use, and the medical condition to be treated.

Doctors suggest that it is best to start small and gradually increase your dosage as your body adapts to CBD. The following are detailed factors that affect the right CBD dosage to consume for treating anxiety;

The Unique Endocannabinoid System and Body Chemistry

People with a higher metabolism would require a higher dosage of CBD gummies. This can be explained through the rapid digestion and absorption of CBD gummies in their systems since the body cells are more active and energized.

Furthermore, CBD gummies are known to have a lower bioavailability since they have to be gut-processed before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. CBD gummies would require a higher dose to reduce anxiety than other CBD consumption methods.

Body Weight

It is worth noting that CBD is a fat-soluble compound. Therefore, it can be stored in fat tissues beneath the skin after digestion. People with a higher body weight would require larger doses of CBD gummies.

Types of CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoids and chemical compounds, including CBD, THC, CBN (cannabinol), flavonoids, and terpenes. However, THC levels are low to prevent any psychoactive effects.

Broad-spectrum CBD has similar chemical compounds to the full spectrum CBD. However, it lacks THC since it is completely removed from it.

CBD isolate is considered the purest form of CBD since it contains cannabidiol as its primary chemical compound.

A patient would require a higher dosage while consuming CBD isolate gummies since the unavailability of additional cannabinoids impedes its efficacy.

Other benefits of CBD gummies

Shaw, Christian, Jahan & Marcu (2021) stated that CBD gummies reduce opioid addictions by relieving depression, pain and stress.

Dawidowicz et al. (2021) stated that CBD gummies have antioxidant properties that reduce oxidation in body tissues.

Jastrząb et al. (2021) stated that CBD gummies have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and joint pains.

Possible Side Effects of CBD Gummies

CBD gummies may cause changes in appetite, weight, migraines, and diarrhea. However, most people experience positive effects after consuming CBD gummies. Furthermore, these side effects often occur when the product is infused with harmful inorganic substances, including heavy metals, molds, and pesticides.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD

Can CBD Improve Sleep Quality?

CBD enhances sleep quality by triggering the production of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep. Furthermore, CBD triggers the production of higher serotonin levels since serotonin improves mood and reduces depression, stress and anxiety.

Can You Fail a Drug Test While Consuming CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD products contain low levels of THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products do not contain THC since it is removed from each product. Therefore, full-spectrum CBD may test positive in a drug test due to traces of THC (below 0.3%). However, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate, cannot test positive for a drug test.

The Bottom Line

Various factors determine the right dosage of CBD gummies while relieving anxiety. For example, the patient's weight, age, frequency of use, and unique biochemistry all play a part in determining the right dosage. If you are new to CBD, starting small and gradually increasing your dosage as your body adapts to CBD is essential.

CBD gummies are a popular product since they are delicious, chewy, and easily customizable. They relieve anxiety, stress, depression, pain, and inflammation. Furthermore, they reduce smoking and opioid addictions, besides improving sleep quality. Broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate gummies cannot test positive in a drug test since they lack THC.

References

Gadotti, V. M., Huang, S., & Zamponi, G. W. (2021). The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3. 2 T-type calcium channels. Molecular brain, 14(1), 1-10.

Chye, Y., Christensen, E., Solowij, N., & Yücel, M. (2019). The endocannabinoid system and cannabidiol promise the treatment of substance use disorder. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 63.

Shaw, C., & Marcu, J. (2021). Case report: cannabidiol in the management of acute opioid withdrawal. Am J Endocannabinoid Med, 3, 6-11.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.