How to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
Its normal to get anxious from time to time. But with the current fast-paced lifestyle in the modern world, anxiety has become quite common. Its effects are devastating and that’s why people are turning to alternative sources of medicine for wellness. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an active cannabis compound that can regulate various psychological issues. It can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms and help manage other underlying health issues. but how can use it and what are the potential side effects? This article offers an overview of how to use CBD oil for anxiety and choosing the right product.
Does CBD Oil Help with Anxiety?
Can you use CBD oil to manage your anxiety symptoms? Yes, CBD has strong anti-anxiety properties. The fact that works naturally with the endocannabinoid system makes it effective in promoting the feeling of calmness and relaxation.
So, how does the CBD compound work? Well, it targets several independent mechanisms that cause hyperactivity in the nerves. It increases the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA normally helps to block the reinforcement of persistent memories that cause anxiety. Besides that, it can calm down the brain.
Some research studies indicate that CBD also regulates the production of dopamine and serotonin hormones. These hormones usually promote positive feelings and help to relax stiff and tight muscles.
Proper Ways to Use CBD Oil for Anxiety
To achieve optimal effects, its important to understand how to use CBD oil for anxiety. There are several methods of applications, and each has its pros and cons. Besides that, each produces different effects on the body. Depending on many individual preferences, here is how one can use CBD oil for anxiety:
- Edibles
They are usually in the form of food products. CBD oil generally gets infused with edible gelatins to form delicious gummy bears. These CBD gummies usually produce long-lasting effects hence ideal for those with chronic anxiety. Note that CBD gummies have low bioavailability. Only a limited quantity gets into the circulatory system.
- Tinctures and oils
They provide the easiest and quickest way of experiencing the effects of CBD. Tinctures and CBD oil are for sublingual intake. They come in bottles with droppers which help to enhance dosage accuracy. To use such a product, apply the recommended number of droplets under the tongue. Wait for 30 seconds or so before spitting. CBD will find its way into the circulatory system via the blood vessels under the tongue. Users normally experience effects within 15 minutes.
- CBD vape oils
You can use CBD oil with a vaporizer to attain the desired effects. Heated vape cartridges produce CBD vapors which the user needs to inhale. CBD will reach the circulatory system via the lungs’ lining.
However, users need to be cautious when using vape pen. This is because vaping can cause serious lung issues. this has mainly attributed to the use of low quality vape cartridges on the market. Make sure that you purchase cartridges from legal and state-licensed cannabis stores.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Use to Relieve Anxiety?
When it comes to taking CBD oil for anxiety, there is a big discrepancy. You can take as little as 5 mg up to 300 mg daily. Until now, there is no universal CBD oil dosage recommendation. Besides that, there are very few extensive studies have been done so far. There are several factors that determine dosage, including:
- Age
- Metabolism
- Body weight
- Anxiety severity
- The concentration of CBD
CBD’s concentration is usually measured in mg per container. People with lower body weight need less CBD while the vice-versa is also true. Severe anxiety and high metabolism would need you to take more CBD content.
Start slow
Regardless of the dosage you choose to start with, always start slow. This way, you can gradually increase the dosage until you find what works for you. starting slow also helps to minimize the risk of experiencing adverse effects.
CBD’s bidirectional effects
The bidirectional effect of CBD means that it can produce different results at different effects. That’s why high doses of CBD concentration such as 300mg would promote sleepiness while lower doses such as 30 mg can ease symptoms of anxiety or incite productivity and alertness.
Are There Any Side Effects?
CBD oil has a good safety profile, and its effects are almost non-existent. But even though its well-tolerated, it can still result in unwanted side effects. This is because people normally respond differently to it. Potential side effects of using CBD oil for anxiety include:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Change in sleep patterns
CBD can also interact with certain supplements and drugs. This is because the same liver enzymes that metabolize those drugs or supplements also metabolize CBD. As a result, the interaction can increase or reduce the blood levels. If you are taking medications such as ARVs, antihistamines, blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, then you should first consult your doctor.
It’s worth noting that some of the side effects depends on the delivery method or the dosage. So, reducing the dosage or changing the mode of intake can help prevent some of these effects.
How to Choose The Best CBD Oil For Anxiety?
CBD oil products are legal federally and this means that the market is widely accessible now. However, this can make the selection process quite challenging. But there are several considerations that can help you the right choice, including:
- Source: Buy CBD oil for anxiety that comes from organic sources. Non-GMO plant extracts have a good safety profile due to the significantly low amounts of toxins.
- Type of CBD oil: The type of CBD oil for anxiety will determine its effectiveness. Generally, full-spectrum CBD oil is more effective than CBD isolates or broad-spectrum CBD. The former would be ideal for chronic anxiety as it can produce stronger and lasting effects.
- 3rd-party lab tests: For the sake of safety and authenticity, choose CBD oil for anxiety tested by an independent 3rd-party. Besides that, the results should be readily available publicly through the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
It should be noted that once you know the type of CBD oil products to look, your choice remains personal. For instance, there are those who feel anxious during the night. As a result, CBD oil with melatonin would be the most effective. Those who have social anxiety should consider products that promote a feeling of relaxation and focus.
Final Thoughts
CBD is known for its benefits in relieving anxiety. The non-psychoactive cannabinoid usually interacts with various processes to ease physical discomfort and regulate psychological effects. CBD can ease your symptoms of anxiety by promoting focus, relaxation, calmness, memory, and sleep quality. Besides that, it can be effective in managing symptoms of other underlying medical issues that can trigger anxiety. Even though this is an organic plant extract, users have to exercise caution when using CBD oil for anxiety. This is because it can result in unwanted side effects. Besides that, it can interact with certain medications and worsen their effects. To avoid this, start with a lower dosage and gradually increase your intake until you find what works for you. it’s also important to consult your primary health care physician.