If your anxiety is about to go through the roof, you’re probably considering every option possible. One of the options on your list may be CBD. But, before you include CBD into your wellness routine, you might want the answer to the question: Is CBD safe and effective?
Products like CBD oils, tinctures, and gummies are becoming increasingly popular. Let’s look at the safety and effectiveness of these products. What does the research say? Is CBD FDA approved? What dosage should you use?
Let’s get started and answer all the questions above and many more you have about CBD.
What Is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound in the cannabis Sativa hemp plant. Over 120 known compounds come from this plant, and CBD is one of them. The other popular compound from cannabis is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol.
Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. So, it will not make the user feel high or cause unwanted psychoactive effects. One of the popular reasons people use CBD is because they can get relief without having to feel high.
Studies show that CBD has various therapeutic effects. It comes in different forms, including gummies, oils, vapes, and topicals. CBD gummies and oil drops are common for people looking to decrease anxiety levels.
Is CBD Safe and Effective for Anxiety?
CBD may have many potential beneficial effects on the user. But there are a few side effects to be aware of before you use it.
Some of the reported side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Changes in weight
- Diarrhoea
More so, CBD can interact with some medications like blood thinners. Other drugs CBD can potentially interact with include:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Opioids
- Antihistamines
It’s best to discuss with a doctor before using CBD if you’re taking any drugs.
Inaccurate labelling of CBD products is another area of concern. The FDA reported many CBD products as mislabelled in 2020. For example, some products contained less CBD than what the brand advertised on the label. Also, some had THC but didn’t specify it on the product label.
What about CBD’s effectiveness? The FDA continuously encourages more research into the medical applications of CBD.
CBD is of high interest among enthusiasts and researchers. The current studies look promising. However, there is still a need for further research into its safety and effectiveness.
What Does Research Say about CBD and Anxiety?
CBD studies show CBD could be a potential treatment for people with anxiety disorders. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved CBD for managing anxiety. However, clinical trials are currently ongoing.
Some researchers conducted a review in 2020 to understand the effectiveness of CBD for anxiety disorders. Their study reviewed past published CBD studies, including controlled and randomized trials. They also looked into the general use of CBD for anxiety in 2409 participants.
These participants had a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), insomnia, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related anxiety. The study concluded that CBD effectively reduced anxiety symptoms in these patients. Also, the authors of the review noted that CBD could serve as an alternative treatment plan for those taking meds.
Although the results from this study look encouraging, there is a need for additional studies. More research will help determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of CBD in these conditions.
How to Use for Anxiety
There are many forms of CBD products you can use for anxiety. However, the two most recommended types of CBD are:
- Sublingual CBD oil drops or tinctures
- CBD gummies
When using sublingual CBD drops, you apply them under the tongue. Then, hold for a few seconds to 2 minutes before swallowing to allow the thin membranes in your mouth fully absorb the CBD. For getting the most out of this method many premium CBD oils for anxiety even comes with specific instructions on how to properly consume the liquid.
Sublingual CBD products enter your bloodstream quickly and efficiently. You begin to feel the onset of effects within 2 to 10 minutes. They are a fast-acting form of using CBD, next to vape products.
Further, another popular and effective way of taking CBD is using gummies. CBD gummies are enjoyable, discreet, and also convenient. You can carry them around without anyone knowing what they are.
Asides from being convenient, they also taste sweet. Gummies are available in multiple flavours options. So users can easily find what suits them. Also, their doses are predetermined.
When using CBD gummies, you don’t bother about measuring an accurate dose. One gummy generally equals one serving. So, you can start by taking one gummy per day.
Although they are not as fast-acting as sublingual drops, gummies work reasonably fast. You notice the soothing effects within 10 to 20 minutes.
CBD Dosage for Anxiety
There is no universal CBD dosage for anxiety. Anyone looking to use CBD should start from the lowest possible dose and gradually increase or decrease if needed.
One scientific review shows that it’s safe to take up to 1,500mg of CBD daily. Subsequent studies also revealed that users take 1,500mg daily for a few weeks with no adverse effects.
Although CBD is well-tolerated, you don’t want to take more than your body needs. Everyone responds differently to CBD, so it’s better to experiment and find your ideal dose.
Is CBD FDA Approved, and Can Doctors Prescribe It?
Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD product is Epidiolex. Epidiolex is a drug for treating seizures disorders in children, including:
- DravetSyndrome (DS)
- Lennox-GastautSyndrome (LGS)
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)
The FDA approved Epidiolex in 2018 after four controlled trials showed it significantly reduced seizures.
Also, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), Sativex is approved in Asia and Europe for cancer pain. Sativex is a product that contains a combination of CBD and THC.
In an article by the Sleep Foundation, the FDA approved some cannabis-derived products, namely:
Marinol and Syndrol: These drugs contain a synthetic form of THC, dronabinol.
Cesamet: This drug contains a synthetic compound called nabilone, similar to THC.
Doctors prescribe the above drugs to chemotherapy patients for the treatment of nausea and vomiting. Asides from these drugs, no other CBD product is FDA-approved yet.
Final Thoughts
CBD has shown promise in the treatment of a variety of ailments, including anxiety. CBD is simply a molecule and an abbreviation for cannabidiol, which alters the way the body’s chemicals react to stimuli. CBD helps to relieve anxiety symptoms by inducing a sense of peace, calming the body, and relaxing stiff joints. The research on CBD for anxiety has shown promising results, but it’s very limited by small numbers and a lack of information on the long-term effects.
Basically, CBD is safe and well-tolerated in people. But it’s important to remember that the CBD sector is unregulated. It is recommended that you use the offered guideline to get quality requirements. Seek a doctor’s advice on how CBD can help you manage your anxiety the most effectively.