Chamber Blog

How Can CBD Help With Anxiety?

March 25, 2020 | 502 Hemp; Dee Dee Taylor

Anxiety is a mental condition affecting at least 40 million adults in the United States according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.  Anxiety presents itself within a variety of diagnoses, including trauma disorders like PTSD. Being able to recognize as many symptoms as possible could help you or a loved one know when to seek medical attention.  Seeking medical evaluations and treatment options with mental health providers is vital to your overall health and wellbeing for children and adults alike.

What Could Anxiety Look Like For You?

National Institute of Mental Health outlines a few anxiety disorders and symptoms.  This list is by no means comprehensive and mental health evaluations can be helpful in discovering individual needs.

  • Feeling restless or on-edge
  • Easily fatigued
  • Concentration difficulty
  • Muscle tension
  • Excessive worry
  • Worry concerning ones or another’s survival
  • Difficulty separating
  • Sleep issues
  • Panic attacks: Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling hands, feeling out of control

Anxiety or mental health disorders are not “just in your head.”  These are legitimate health conditions and they can affect your physical health as well.  Julie Riley, a holistic professional and anxiety sufferer, describes possible physical effects like stomach aches, hives or itching, lower functioning immune system, headaches, and sleep problems.  Treatment options are increasing in the conventional medicine and holistic professional fields to better address mental health conditions like anxiety. Both can be integrated together for a full treatment of your or a loved one’s whole self.  CBD oil, preferably full spectrum, is an option to consider.

How CBD Can Help With Anxiety?

“A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users” published July 2018, reported findings of a three-month anonymous survey of cannabidiol users.  Within 2490 responses, 605 of individuals with a variety of life experiences, backgrounds, and countries responded with positive results using CBD.  Anxiety was the third-highest condition reported that CBD was used to treat it successfully. Adverse reactions reported largely centered around high THC levels, as this survey did not discern between CBD isolate, low THC & Cannabidiol, or high THC & low Cannabidiol.  Low THC with Cannabidiols or just a CBD (Cannabidiol) isolate could have a high success rate in helping with anxiety and related symptoms.

Another report, “Cannabidiol as a Potent Treatment for Anxiety Disorders” looked at a collection of 49 studies with animals with a variety of anxiety disorders and isolated medical reports with humans concerning anxiety.  The studies with animals found success with their fear response, decrease compulsive behavior in some animals, and lower symptoms of generalized anxiety. It’s important to note that lower doses of CBD were found to be more effective with Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Why are these animals studies important to you? One reason is that their endocannabinoid system is similar to humans. This increases the potential findings and ensured safety as clinical trials with CBD and humans move forward. Another reason it is important is that animals suffer from anxiety disorders too.  These clinical studies demonstrate the help CBD could offer animals with anxiety disorders, compulsive behaviors, and separation anxiety. For humans, acute psychological studies reported mixed reviews on CBD and patients. Under evaluation of the reports, high THC levels increased anxiety levels in some patients.  However, CBD (low THC) improved psychological scores on mental health evaluations. The strongest positive reports were with Seasonal Affective Disorder. The acute psychological studies show a strong connection with CBD and improving mental health.

What does this mean for you?

CBD is a compelling natural option that is being integrated into mental health routines by working with your natural endocannabinoid system.  Children and adults have shared their stories with our 502 Hemp staff on how our CBD products have helped their anxiety. Please keep in mind that we cannot guarantee any results as everyone is different.  Also, note that the FDA has not evaluated these statements. CBD and other related products are not intended to treat, cure, or diagnose any disease. Please consult with a trusted medical professional for all available mental health treatment options.  If you choose to try CBD oil, the dosage is important for your unique metabolism and health needs. For CBD dosage, 502 Hemp is here to help. Please feel free to come in during business hours for more information and let our experienced and knowledgeable staff help you find the best product for your individual needs.