Research suggests that CBD may help relieve symptoms of anxiety in several ways. But we also know that it can engage with receptors attached to nerve cells in your limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain whose job it is to regulate anxiety, emotions, and the human stress response (i.e., fight or flight). CBD appears to interact with GABA receptors, serotonin, and adenosine, all of which have been linked to anxiety in both human and animal studies.
Recently, clinical trials have offered promising findings on CBD as a potentially effective anxiety-reducing agent. In 2011, CBD was used as a pre-treatment in a clinical trial for people with Social Anxiety Disorder. And, with self-reporting, results showed that CBD reduced indicators of anxiety when participants were faced with a public speaking test.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety
The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that when it comes to GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), CBD minimizes stress in animals like rats. Clinical trials observed that subjects had low behavioral indications of anxiety, while physical symptoms, like increased heart rate, also got better.
Other Forms of Anxiety
CBD may also show some promise in alleviating symptoms of acute conditions such as social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also appears to help individuals with anxiety-induced insomnia, but we still need more research in this area.
CBD Dosage
If you have ever heard someone complain that CBD doesn’t work, it is possible that he or she simply didn’t take the right dosage. Factors that can determine your CBD dosage include:
- Condition
- Weight
- Drug on drug interactions
- CBD product concentration
If you are trying to determine your perfect dose, you may find the Stepwise Dosing methodology helpful. Stepwise Dosing is where you establish a baseline dosage first and then increase the dosage gradually over time until you find the amount that is right for you. Everybody responds to CBD differently, so there is no specific one-size-fits-all dose. It is also important to speak with your doctor before introducing CBD into your routine.
Final Thoughts
Many people now explore CBD as a natural supplement to address their anxiety symptoms. While not an approved anxiety treatment, CBD’s natural properties may help alleviate conditions that trigger your symptoms of anxiety. Before starting on a dosage, make sure you have consulted with your physician. Together, you can decide whether it’s safe for you to add CBD to your daily routine.