Holistic and natural medicines have gained more traction in recent years, and CBD is one of the most popular. Millions of people worldwide are now taking the cannabis compound to treat chronic pain, alleviate anxiety and destress. CBD for anxiety is not an approved treatment model by any governing authority, and research into its efficacy and long-term effects are limited. Given the attention that it’s garnered lately, however, it’s a good idea to dive into what we know about using CBD to help anxiety and whether it might be the right choice for you.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is a chemical derived from cannabis. The cannabis sativa plant is often over-simplified in web literature as only having two primary compounds: CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. In reality, there are hundreds of different chemicals in the plant. This is why there are so many variations of marijuana on the market, including some that are specifically grown to produce higher volumes of THC or CBD. Cannabidiol comes from the hemp plant, and it sometimes contains small levels of THC. The primary difference between cannabidiol and THC is that the former does not produce the characteristic high people seek when they smoke recreational cannabis.

How Should You Take CBD for Anxiety?

You can vape CBD oil using the Arizer Extreme Q vaporizer or a similar product. Vaping CBD oil is one of the most traditional ways to experience the benefits of the chemical. However, you may also decide to try products that contain cannabidiol such as bath bombs, gummies, teas, salves and body lotions. Before you take anything, you should first speak with your doctor to make sure that you are able to safely try cannabidiol. In some cases, it may interact with prescription medications. Taking too much is also dangerous as with any other substance, so it should only be done responsibility and in moderation.

What Does CBD Do for Anxiety?

Anxiety can be an isolated symptom or a cluster of symptoms that categorize an anxiety disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) lists 12 types of anxiety disorders, including the most common generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. There are also cases where anxiety may present as a disorder but not meet the diagnostic criteria for any one particular condition. In these cases, a person may receive a diagnosis of unspecified anxiety disorder or other specified anxiety disorder.

One of the reasons people seek cannabidiol as a treatment option is that prescription drugs are generally not effective at completely resolving symptoms. There are also many potential side effects of anxiety medications, including the risk of developing addiction, weight gain, increased blood pressure and sleep problems. Cannabidiol may be able to alleviate anxiety by activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in mood stability the same way that some medications for depression alter serotonin levels, cannabidiol may also influence how much serotonin a person’s brain produces and how long that serotonin remains present. It also interacts with your body’s built-in endocannabinoid system, which plays a regulatory role in hormonal secretions and stress response.