Stress and anxiety are the two most prevalent mental conditions. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they do not precisely denote the same thing.
Stress refers to a natural response to a threat. Usually, stressful feelings should dissipate when the danger is no longer there. But when these feelings linger on even without apparent triggers, then you could be suffering from anxiety. need to visit Homegrown Cannabis Co. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety affects more than 18% of American adults annually.
The good news is that anxiety disorders are treatable using antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Popular SSRIs include Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa.
While these medications are somewhat effective, they’re also known to induce a series of side effects. That explains why medical experts now recommend cannabidiol for the treatment of stress and anxiety.
What Is CBD And How Does It Treat Anxiety?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the over 100 medically beneficial chemicals that occur naturally in cannabis.
CBD is mostly extracted from hemp, a variant of the cannabis plant. The compound is marketed for its immense health benefits.
Numerous studies have shown that Sunday Scaries CBD or other CBD products might help to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia, seizures, nausea, and stress. Research suggests that CBD may help to relieve general anxiety as well as various anxiety-related disorders, such as social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and various phobias.
But just how does cannabidiol fight stress and anxiety?
CBD combats anxiety by impacting the performance of the body’s cell-signaling system known as the endocannabinoid system. When consumed, CBD interacts with certain endocannabinoid receptors known as CB2 receptors. One of the results of these interactions is an increase in the levels of ‘happiness’ hormones, such as serotonin.
Low serotonin levels have been observed among people who are anxious or depressed. So, by increasing serotonin signaling, CBD plays a direct role in relieving these conditions.
Another way CBD might relieve anxiety is by improving blood circulation throughout the body. Various studies have established a connection between stress and the constriction of coronary vessels, which means that one way to beat stress is to increase the dilation of these blood vessels. Fortunately, CBD is a renowned vasodilator. The compound can, therefore, mediate feelings of anxiety by improving blood flow.
Besides treating anxiety directly, CBD can also help to manage some of the condition’s common triggers and side effects. Examples include pain, insomnia, and seizures.
What’s more, CBD has neuroprotective properties and can reverse the brain damage occasioned by mental conditions like stress and anxiety.
How to Use CBD to Beat Stress and Anxiety
- Choose a suitable delivery method
There are five different ways to consume cannabidiol, including;
- Vaping CBD-infused e-juices
- Smoking dried hemp flowers
- Oral administration of CBD tinctures
- Topical application of CBD skin care products
- CBD edibles like gummies or baked goods
The delivery method that you use depends on your desired effects.
As you shall find, vaping, smoking and oral administration of CBD tinctures have a faster onset time. But the effects of these delivery methods don’t last so long.
On the other hand, CBD edibles take longer to kick in. But they deliver long-lasting benefits.
CBD topicals are the least effective for beating anxiety. Topical products work best for localized conditions like joint inflammation as opposed to general conditions like anxiety or neuropathic pain.
- Insist on products low on THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most common psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC is the compound in weed that induces euphoria.
But THC also contains its own therapeutic benefits. In fact, medical marijuana doctors usually recommend using CBD alongside THC for optimal healing benefits.
However, the fact that THC causes mind-altering effects makes it less attractive for use in combating stress and anxiety. You wouldn’t want to get stoned in the process of trying to treat a mental condition, would you?
CBD products fall into three broad categories depending on the kinds of active compounds they contain. The categories include;
- CBD isolates – Products that contain cannabidiol as the only active ingredient
- Broad-spectrum CBD – Products that contain CBD and other cannabis compounds, except THC
- Full-spectrum CBD – Products formulated with CBD, THC, and various other cannabinoids
- Mind your doses
Cannabidiol has no ideal dose. Doses depend on a variety of factors, including;
- Age and body size
Children or lightweight people should consume lower doses than adults or big-bodied people.
- Metabolic rate
The faster your metabolic rate, the higher your doses should be.
- Sex
Women tend to be more sensitive to cannabis than men; hence they should consume lower CBD doses.
- Strength of CBD
The higher the concentration of CBD in a product, the lower the doses should be.
The saving grace in all these is that it’s almost impossible to overdose CBD. Even so, it’s prudent to start with the lowest doses possible. Observe how your body responds before possibly upping your dose. As soon as the compound succeeds in treating your anxiety, stop using it immediately to avoid risks of dependency.
CBD is highly effective against stress and anxiety. But like other medical conditions, you can only enjoy CBD’s anxiolytic properties if you choose a delivery method, watch out for THC, and go slow on your doses. Above all, ensure that you can legally use CBD in your locality before purchasing the product.
