CBD, or Cannabidiol, has made a name for itself in the world of natural medicine. But what exactly is it and how can it impact our health?  

As the second most prevalent of the active ingredients in cannabis, a lot of people have questions about the uses and side effects of CBD. CBD is derived directly from the Hemp plant, which contains much higher levels of CBD than a Marijuana plant would. Like all phytocannabinoids, CBD works by directly and indirectly stimulating your Endocannabinoid System (ECS). CBD alone has no psychoactive effects – meaning it will not cause a “high,” but it is well known for its calming, soothing effects that are often experienced as relaxing and beneficial for mitigating pain.

CBD For Anxiety 

For generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that CBD has been shown to reduce stress in animals such as rats. Study subjects were observed as having lower behavioral signs of anxiety. Their physiological symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, also improved.

CBD may also benefit people with other forms of anxiety, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may help treat anxiety-induced insomnia as well.

In 2011, a study researched CBD’s effects on people with SAD. Participants were given an oral dose of 400 milligrams (mg) of CBD or a placebo. Those who received CBD experienced overall reduced anxiety levels.

The authors of these studies found evidence to support the use of CBD as an effective monotherapy or complementary therapy for treating generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

However, the studies showed considerable variation in CBD doses, ranging from 6-400 mg per dose. This variation highlights the need for more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials to help establish standardized dosing and clinical usage guidelines for CBD therapy.

How to Take CBD Oil

CBD oil is a cannabis extract and can be consumed in ways very similar to how medical marijuana is administered. Most of the options available on the market fall into a few key categories, each with some advantages and disadvantages, depending on your health and preferences. The primary methods of taking CBD include the following:

Inhalation

Smoking and Vaping

Any drug or medicine that is inhaled is essentially going straight from the lungs to the brain without passing through the liver for digestion. This means vaping or smoking CBD oil is a very fast-acting and direct way to get the effects started.  This quick onset makes smoking or vaping CBD oil the ideal method for acute conditions like nausea or pain. You can smoke or vaporize either the flower forms or the oil extracts.

Ingestion

Edibles and Capsules

Cannabinoids that are consumed by eating or swallowing will be processed through the digestive system. This means it takes roughly an hour for the onset of effects, or longer if taken with food. Ingestion is ideal for a stronger, longer-lasting enjoyment of the soothing effects, such as for chronic pain and sleep assistance.  It should be noted that the effects of strong doses will last much longer when ingested than when inhaled, so make sure you’re comfortable with your dose for ingestion.

Topicals

Creams and Balms

Topical application of CBD products is a more recent evolution of the industry and one that we’re really loving! Topical creams and ointments are ideal for easing joint pain or skin conditions. Our moisturizing Co’Shea Butter is an excellent, non-invasive way to get a nice, even effect of CBD in the skin. Our innovative roll-on sticks offer convenient treatment methods for joints and muscles. And there’s nothing quite like a hot soak in a soothing CBD bath!

 

As our experts in the store will tell you, finding the right form of CBD product for your anxiety is a personal decision based on your health and preferences. If you’re new to CBD and not a smoker, starting with the edible gummies or tincture drops are the best way to start. You can dial in the right dose with differing strength concentrates and by varying the number of drops until you get it just right. As you get more comfortable, you may want to branch out into the topicals and vape pens.