Cannabidiol is a compound derived from cannabis plants. It may help people with anxiety reduce their symptoms with few or no side effects.
Research on cannabidiol oil (CBD oil) is still in its infancy, but there is mounting evidence to suggest that some people can get relief from anxiety. In this article, we examine what CBD oil is and how it may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Cannabidiol is extracted from cannabis plants and can be used as an oil. CBD oil is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids that bind to
The best-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes the “high” people feel after using marijuana.
THC, however, is just one of many cannabinoids. Cannabidiol also binds to these receptors but does not produce a high. Proponents argue that cannabidiol oil has many health benefits, ranging from slowing the growth of cancer to improved mental health.
CBD oil is edible and can be used as a cooking oil or added to food. People may also take it as a medication by consuming a few drops. .
Does CBD produce a high?
CBD oil derived from hemp will not produce a “high.” Hemp is a type of cannabis plant grown for industrial use, such as making paper and clothing. Unlike other cannabis plants, hemp has not been specially bred to produce high levels of THC.
Cannabidiol may be sold as a type of hemp oil with trace amounts of THC. So, someone using cannabidiol might still test positive for THC on a drug test, even though they will not experience any alterations of mental state after using the oil.
Much of the research on cannabis products has looked at the use of marijuana rather than at CBD oil as a standalone product.
Some studies have found that cannabis might help anxiety.
People interested in managing their anxiety with CBD oil should look exclusively at research on cannabidiol, not generalized studies of medical marijuana. Although there are fewer studies on cannabidiol specifically, the preliminary research is promising.
A small 2010 study found that cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of social anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Brain scans of participants revealed changes in blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety.
In this study, cannabidiol not only made participants feel better but also changed the way their brains responded to anxiety.
A 2015 analysis of previous studies concluded that CBD oil is a promising treatment for numerous forms of anxiety, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The report cautioned, however, that data on long-term use of CBD oil is limited. While research strongly points to the role of cannabidiol in treating short-term anxiety, little is known about its long-term effects, or how it can be used as a prolonged treatment.
A
Studies into cannabidiol specifically, however, have found few or no negative side effects.
This means that CBD oil may be a good option for people who cannot tolerate the side effects of other medications for anxiety, including addiction.
Marijuana derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but legal under the laws of some states. Hemp derived CBD products with a THC content lower than 0.3% are legal on the federal level but not legal under some state laws.
A person should look up the CBD laws in their state and anywhere they travel. Be aware of nonprescription CBD products, as they do not have FDA approval. Labeling may not be accurate.
Consult a doctor who has experience with CBD oil to determine the right dosage.
The role of cannabidiol as a treatment for anxiety disorders remains unclear, as more long-term studies are required to assess the benefits and risks.
For people with anxiety who have gotten no relief from other treatments, however, CBD oil offers a potential alternative solution.
People considering CBD oil for anxiety should speak with a doctor to help determine the right treatment for them. People are also advised to research the laws in their area regarding the use of cannabis products.
Q:
Is it risky to take CBD oil for anxiety while it has not been approved for this use? For example, is there a chance that CBD could have THC in it that could make anxiety worse?
A:
It is risky to take a drug in a state where it is not approved or legal.
The use of marijuana is becoming more common, but that does not guarantee it is safe, or free of contaminants or other drugs.
There has been
It is possible that CBD oils could contain trace amounts of THC, and this could lead to a positive THC urine test. But trace amounts would not have much influence on mood or interfere with anxiety.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.