For the past few years, CBD (cannabidiol) has been well known for reducing anxiety and inhibiting fear. Many people have embraced CBD to reduce their stress and anxiety levels on a daily basis, as it is a natural solution and far more effective than most drug treatments.
So, if you too are looking for a natural alternative to end your panic attacks, you might be interested in the soothing properties of medical cannabis. From the very first time you take it, it can help you release tension, lighten your mind, and banish anxiety from your thoughts. How do anxiety disorders manifest themselves? How can CBD reduce the symptoms of anxiety, and how to consume it properly to enjoy its benefits quickly? All the information about CBD and anxiety can be found below.
What is anxiety?
Panic attacks, also known as anxiety attacks, manifest as a sudden, intense feeling of fear. In the body, the fear can develop in milliseconds. That's enough time to alarm your brain and trigger an attack. When it comes to anxiety, there are 3 types of disorders to differentiate:
- Panic Attacks: From an outside perspective, a panic attack may look very impressive, but in reality, it is not dangerous to your health. People who suffer from panic attacks may start crying, shaking, breathing harder, and feel completely frightened. Sometimes a trigger is the cause of the attack: an argument, a noisy place, an increase in stress, etc. But other times, they can happen for no apparent reason: at work, in class, or even at the movies. Shortness of breath, palpitations, sweating, dizziness... These are the main symptoms of an anxiety attack. If you see someone starting an attack, you need to reassure and comfort them, without smothering them.
- Phobias: Anxiety disorders can also result in phobias. For example, a claustrophobic person is highly likely to have an anxiety attack if you lock him or her up for hours in an enclosed space, whether it's a concert hall or a plane. Some people also suffer from social phobia and have great difficulty fitting in with groups. When fear and anxiety take over, they may experience nausea, headaches, and stomach aches.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety is when the feeling of anxiety becomes constant. Every day, people suffering from this generalized disorder are afraid of everything and are very nervous. This daily anxiety results in headaches, muscle tension, sleep disturbances and lack of concentration.
Why take CBD to combat anxiety?
To begin with, it is essential to remember that CBD is one of the many cannabinoids in hemp that, unlike THC, does not provide any psychoactive effects. Thus, people suffering from anxiety can consume CBD without the risk of aggravating their case. Cannabis with THC could actually promote anxiety in some consumers.
For scientific researchers, CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system, specifically with the 5-HT1A, GPR55, CB1 and CB2 receptors. Thus, CBD helps regulate the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, meaning it promotes pleasure and good mood, while alleviating stress and anxiety.
Thanks to CBD, many people suffering from anxiety have been able to regain a sense of calm and relaxation on a daily basis. Used wisely, CBD allows to evacuate irrational fears and to limit the appearance of anxiety attacks.
What do scientists think about CBD for treating anxiety?
In 2011, a clinical study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil highlighted the positive effect of CBD on the limbic and paralimbic parts of the brain. The researchers tested CBD on several participants suffering from anxiety. One group received CBD, while the other received a placebo. Only the participants who received CBD noticed a significant improvement and thus, an anxiety-reducing effect.
In 2015 in New York, another scientific study was conducted to prove the effectiveness of CBD on all types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety, social anxiety and panic attacks. Their conclusion is simple: the positive effects of CBD are quick, and they are long lasting.
More recently, in 2016, Spanish researchers conducted some animal experiments to show that CBD could improve the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Once again, the results reveal the huge potential of therapeutic cannabis to relieve anxiety disorders.
How to take CBD to avoid panic attacks?
How often?
Unlike traditional drug treatments, CBD does not need to be taken daily to be effective. In fact, people suffering from panic attacks can be content to take CBD only when the need arises. For those who suffer from generalized anxiety, daily or at least more frequent use may be helpful. Depending on your type of anxiety and the intensity of your attacks, it is up to you to know when you need it. You can take it every day, or once a month. It doesn't matter, as long as the CBD is doing you good.
At what dosage?
As for the dosage, it is up to you to find the one that suits you best, depending on how you feel and the intensity of your anxiety. Whatever happens, always start with the lowest dose, and if necessary, you can increase it little by little. Starting with a small amount and a low level of CBD is the best way to obtain optimal soothing effects.
In what form?
Generally, anxious people need a quick action to relieve their crises, which is why they prefer CBD oil. It allows a precise and fast dosage, thanks to the pipette which allows to pour a few drops under the tongue. The relaxing effects appear in a few minutes and can last several hours.
Otherwise, you can also spray flowers or CBD resin if you prefer inhalation. And finally, you can make herbal teas with CBD. The most important thing is to find a form of CBD that is not a strain for you.
Can CBD cause anxiety?
Some people think that CBD can cause anxiety, as they are referring to cannabis in general. It is true that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a psychoactive molecule that can cause palpitations and anxiety. But rest assured, CBD-based products are completely THC-free, as they meet European standards.
Can CBD cure anxiety disorders?
No, CBD does not cure any disease. On the other hand, it relieves, it helps, and it accompanies the patients towards a soft and natural healing process. CBD is not a medicine, but it can significantly improve your daily life by reducing many symptoms of anxiety.
