The Connection Between CBD and Anxiety

Does a layer of sweat line your brow at the thought of public speaking? Maybe your anxiety is starting to take control over your everyday life. While you’re not alone, more people are seeking solutions to combat their ongoing anxiety.

In fact, over 60% of CBD users are taking CBD for anxiety relief.

However, not many people know about the connection between CBD and anxiety. Does it really help relieve anxiety symptoms, and if it does, then how? Keep reading to find out!

After learning more about CBD, you might find it’s the solution you need to combat your anxiety.

What Is CBD Oil?

Before we discuss the connection between CBD and anxiety, let’s review what CBD is first. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t contain psychoactive properties that cause the “high” people associate with marijuana.

Instead, CBD is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids, which bind to receptors in the brain. 

These receptors are protein-based structures that attach to the body’s cells. Different stimuli send signals to these receptors, which causes our body to react in different ways. This cell-signaling system is called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates:

• Sleep
• Mood and stress
• Appetite, digestion, metabolism
• Memory and learning
• Pain and inflammation

The ECS is made up of endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes. The receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to the receptors to tell the ECS to take action.

There are two main receptors. The CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system while CB2 receptors are in the peripheral nervous system.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety can cause racing thoughts and physical reactions we can’t always control. These feelings are often connected to our genetics. Neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine play a big part in how we respond to stress. 

Environmental and lifestyle toxins can alter our neurochemistry, too. 

The biggest contributor to anxiety is stress. Chronic stress will teach your brain how to feel anxious. This is the body’s way of trying to help you anticipate and avoid stress in the future. 

However, we’re forced into stressful situations every day. With time, stress hormones like cortisol can impact the body, causing:

• Endocannabinoid imbalance
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Headaches
• Muscular tension
• Fatigue
• Weakened immunity
• Digestive issues
• Heart disease

Chronic stress can alter your brain structure and chemistry. As a result, certain regions of the brain related to anxiety will become hyperactive. Meanwhile, others will shrink. 

Taking CBD oil for anxiety can help your body find balance. 

Understanding CBD & Anxiety

CBD can influence the CB1 receptors in the brain, which can alter serotonin signals.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. It’s often referred to as the “happy” chemical because it plays a role in our mental health and mood. 

People with depression often have low serotonin levels. These low levels can also contribute to anxiety. 

Some patients use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft and Prozac to increase their serotonin levels. However, SSRIs are only available with a prescription. They can also come with a list of side effects. 

Instead of taking dangerous, costly prescription drugs, more patients are learning about the CBD and anxiety connection. 

For starters, CBD can help reduce the anxiety you experience in stressful situations. It can also help you learn how to let go of triggers that cause fear and anxiety. This is known as extinction learning. 

For example, these patients were conditioned to expect an electric shock after seeing a visual cue. After they were given CBD oil for anxiety, the participants saw the cues without receiving shocks beforehand. These participants were less expectant of receiving a shock when tested two days later, even though the CBD had worn off. 

Chronic stress can cause your ECS to become unbalanced. CBD can help restore balance and prevent you from overstimulating the receptors associated with stress. By acting on the ECS, CBD can relieve anxious behaviors and help you forget your fears (which is essential for extinction learning). 

Today, researchers are continuing with animal and human studies to further explore the connection between CBD and anxiety.

CBD Oil Research

The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that CBD has reduced stress in animals such as rats. This indicates that CBD can ease the effects of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

In this study, patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels. Brain scans showed these patients experienced changes in blood flow to regions of the brain associated with anxiety. 

Using CBD oil for anxiety not only made patients feel better but also changed how the patients’ brains responded to anxiety. 

CBD oil research also indicates that CBD can help patients with:

• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

However, CBD oil research only indicates that cannabidiol helps treat short-term anxiety. Researchers are still studying the long-term effects, including how long it can be used as a prolonged treatment.

The Risks

Taking CBD oil for anxiety is safe. However, there are a few side effects associated with taking CBD, including:

• Fatigue
• Appetite changes
• Weight changes
• Diarrhea

It’s also possible for CBD to react with any dietary supplements or medications you’re taking. For example, you’ll want to remain cautious if you’re taking blood thinners.

Consider speaking with a doctor before you start taking CBD oil for anxiety. You shouldn’t stop taking any medications you’re using without consulting your physician first. Otherwise, you might experience withdrawal symptoms, which can cause:

• Nausea
• Fogginess
• Dizziness
• Irritability

Hemp-derived CBD is legal to use as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. 

Marijuana-derived CBD products, on the other hand, are illegal on the federal level. However, they are legal under some state laws.

Make sure to check your state laws before using CBD. 

You can use this CBD guide to learn more about CBD, including where it’s legal to use and how much to take. 

Easing Your Anxiety: Drawing the Connection Between CBD and Anxiety

Ease your anxiety away with CBD. By understanding the connection between CBD and anxiety, you can relieve your symptoms and get back to stress-free living. 

Make sure you check back often for all things health!