Is CBD for anxiety an effective treatment? Let’s take a closer look. Think about the last time you felt anxious. Your muscles probably tensed up, especially in your face. You may have shortened your breath and lost your appetite. If the anxiety lasted for a while, it may have caused some insomnia and perhaps even disrupted a hormonal cycle. You may think, “If only there was a natural substance that could help with all of those issues!” Science says there is: CBD.
CBD Works with Chemicals in the Brain
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is naturally produced in the human body. It also happens to be made naturally in the marijuana plant. The first is called an endocannabinoid, and the other is called a phytocannabinoid.
This natural chemical supports a wide variety of the body’s functions, from appetite and weight management to chronic pain and sleep patterns. Moreover, CBD does not produce the euphoric high that’s associated with THC, another natural compound in the body and in cannabis.
CBD reacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body, which are part of the nervous system. This means that having enough CBD can help with maintaining proper levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin. People with more serotonin tend to have less depression.
Balancing THC and CBD for Anxiety
Sometimes, however, there are reports of people feeling increased levels of anxiety using recreational or medicinal marijuana products. One reason for this is the balance in certain strains between the percentage of THC and that of CBD.
The marijuana plant has many different strains, some with more CBD and some with more THC. THC, by the way, stands for tetrahydrocannabinol and is another kind of cannabinoid. It has different chemical reactions in the human body. Small amounts result in less anxiety, but large amounts have been shown to increase anxiety.
Knowing Your CBD and Marijuana
From 1995 to 2014, the percentage of THC in the marijuana seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency increased four times. Therefore, people who want to enjoy marijuana to reduce anxiety, purchasing the right kind may be a challenge.
Not only do you want a low-THC, high-CBD variation, you’ll also want to consider if an Indica or a Sativa strain is better. In general, Indica plants result in overall less mental energy. This can be a welcome relief to someone whose mind wanders.
However, if you find that your anxiety is related to depression, a Sativa may be better. Research shows that Sativa helps in the same way that an SSRI, or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, would.
CBD for Anxiety: A Natural Alternative
Many people who are suffering from anxiety are looking for an alternative to narcotics like Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium. These pills can be potentially addictive and cause damage to the liver if taken for a long time. Furthermore, CBD has no known side effects.
CBD in marijuana has been effective for people who are struggling with their anxiety. The compound supports a body’s natural homeostasis, reducing anxiety without causing a strong body high. Starting in small doses and experimenting may result in great success.