CBD (cannabidiol) is available in the form of oils or gummies, and both have been found to be beneficial in reducing anxiety. Taking organic CBD gummies with natural ingredients is considered the best option for anxiety. CBD gummies contain melatonin, a chemical that promotes sleep and helps relieve stress and anxiety.
CBD oil is the most common form of CBD, and is another option to help reduce anxiety symptoms and soothe the nervous system. Other forms of CBD are extracts, vaporized liquids. and oil-based capsules. CBD oil drops can be taken as sublingual drops for quick relief from anxiety.
What is CBD used for?
CBD is a nonpsychoactive cannabinoid that is extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa, which is a broad-spectrum drug used to treat various neuropsychiatric disorders.
The FDA has only approved the use of CBD oil to treat two types of seizures. CBD as a treatment for anxiety-associated disorders is not regulated by the FDA.
In general, CBD is often used for the treatment of:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
CBD may help relieve physical discomfort caused by:
Studies suggested that CBD contains anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, so it may be an effective treatment for anxiety. However, further studies and clinical trials are required to determine the effectiveness of the treatment.
What are the different types of CBD?
There are three types of CBD, although the extraction process similar:
- CBD isolate: Pure form of CBD without any other components of the cannabis plant. CBD is usually isolated from the cannabis plant and contains very little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD isolates are also called CBD crystals and are often crushed up and marketed as a powder. CBD isolates go through extra processing because it is to be made into a refined product.
- Full-spectrum CBD: Contains various cannabis plant extracts, such as essential oils, terpenes, and additional cannabinoids, including cannabinol. Full-spectrum CBD products may contain some THC, which causes a high. However, the amount is insufficient to produce significant psychoactive effects. Because full-spectrum CBD contains all the compounds of the cannabis plant, it is considered more effective than pure CBD, (called the entourage effect).
- Broad-spectrum CBD: Contains almost all components of the cannabis plant and very similar to full-spectrum CBD. However, broad-spectrum CBD contains less or no THC as compared to full-spectrum CBD.
What are the risks of using CBD?
Though CBD is generally regarded as safe, it may cause adverse side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Interferes with medicines, such as blood thinners
There are various doses of CBD available in the market, but they may not be pure formulations or contain harmful substances. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before taking CBD and read labels before purchasing.
SLIDESHOW
A Visual Guide to Generalized Anxiety Disorder See SlideshowBlessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015;12(4):825-836. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
Cabotaje A. What Is CBD and Can it Really Help Your Anxiety? UW Medicine. https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/well/health/what-is-cbd
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