Using CBD Oil for Anxiety: Does It Work?
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Some research has suggested that cannabidiol (CBD) oil might help relieve anxiety. CBD is different from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the substance in cannabis that causes feelings of intoxication.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. Early research is promising regarding the ability of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another type of cannabinoid, CBD doesn’t cause any feelings of intoxication or the “high” you may associate with cannabis.
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD oil for anxiety, and whether it could be a treatment option for you.
The human body has many different receptors. Receptors are protein-based chemical structures that are attached to your cells. They receive signals from different stimuli.
CBD is thought to interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are mostly found in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, respectively.
The exact way CBD affects CB1 receptors in the brain isn’t fully understood. However, it may alter serotonin signals.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays an important role in your mental health. Low serotonin levels are commonly associated with people who have depression. In some cases, not having enough serotonin may also cause anxiety.
The conventional treatment for low serotonin is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), such as sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). SSRIs are only available by prescription.
Some people with anxiety may be able to manage their condition with CBD instead of an SSRI. However, you should talk to your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.
Editor’s pick
Aspen Green Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil, Extra Strength
4.98 (78+) from Aspen Green
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Healthline ‘s review
This full-spectrum CBD oil is sold in Original, Citrus, and Mint flavors, and comes in three different potencies. It’s also U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic.
In addition to oils, the company offers balms, creams, and other products.
Aspen Green offers a 35–60% discount to military personnel, first responders, medical personnel, teachers, students, and people in low income households, with disabilities, or who are currently unemployed.
What our tester says
“This is a great oil for more advanced users of CBD, especially the 3,000 mg bottle (100 mg CBD per full 1 mL dose). Even those with experience using CBD may want to start with half a dropper (50 mg CBD per .5 mL dose).
“This oil, in all flavors, does have an earthy taste to it. Keep that in mind if you dislike the taste of hemp.” — Healthline Editor Christy Snyder
Pros & cons
- varied potencies and flavors
- grown and processed in Colorado
- military and discount programs available
- higher price point than other CBD oils
- hint of hemp flavor may be disliked by some CBD users
Several studies point to the potential benefits of CBD for anxiety.
For generalized anxiety
For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats.
Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved.
More research needs to be done, specifically on humans and GAD.
For other forms of anxiety
CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well.
In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.
Multiple recent studies have shown that CBD can help with PTSD symptoms, such as having nightmares and replaying negative memories. These studies have looked at CBD as both a standalone PTSD treatment as well as a supplement to traditional treatments like medication and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
For other neurological disorders
CBD has also been studied in other neurological disorders.
A 2017 literature review on CBD and psychiatric disorders concluded that there isn’t enough evidence to tout CBD as an effective treatment for depression.
The authors did find some evidence to suggest that CBD could help with anxiety disorders. However, these studies were uncontrolled. This means that the participants weren’t compared to a separate group (or “control”) that might have received a different treatment — or no treatment at all.
Based on their review, more human tests are needed to better understand how CBD works, what the ideal dosages should be, and if there are potential side effects or hazards.
A 2016 study found that CBD can have antipsychotic effects in people with schizophrenia. Moreover, CBD doesn’t cause the significant debilitating side effects associated with some antipsychotic drugs.