CBD is the subject of a relatively recent health trend that focuses on using various products as a way to improve overall health and wellbeing naturally (as CBD is a derivative of the hemp plant). That being said, while CBD is often touted as a useful remedy for mental health issues like anxiety disorders, many wonder whether it really works or it’s just causing a placebo effect. Let’s dive into why some buyers may use CBD for anxiety and whether or not it is a legitimate treatment option for issues like a social anxiety disorder and beyond.
What’s CBD and how does it work?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found within the hemp plant that belongs to a greater group of compounds known as cannabinoids. One of the most popular cannabinoids you may have heard of is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, unlike THC, CBD isn’t accompanied by the psychoactive effects or “high” that you would receive when you smoke flowers from the cannabis plant. This leads users to believe that the effects of CBD are similar in nature to other cannabinoids like THC, but without the unpleasant high that some users don’t wish to experience when using oils, gummies, or even edibles for medical conditions like insomnia.
CBD oils and other substances are believed to be impactful because of their potential impact on receptors found within our endocannabinoid system. What many may not know about cannabinoids is that our bodies produce their own cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids) that are distributed throughout the nervous system with the goal of achieving homeostasis. It is believed that the compounds from products like medical marijuana or CBD (phytocannabinoids) can also be introduced to the bloodstream to bind to the same receptors and achieve similar effects. This is why many users believe this compound to be the solution for a wide range of health issues from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to social anxiety to inflammation.
The issue? Not enough users ask if there really is a scientific connection between CBD’s effects and whether or not they really can support overall health.
Why do some users turn to CBD for their anxiety symptoms?
Many users in the United States and beyond will turn to brands offering tinctures and other products because they believe that this natural remedy will offer effective treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. In fact, many websites will often claim that this is a potential solution for a wide variety of physical and mental ailments, despite CBD not being FDA-approved in the U.S. The truth? Despite the reputation that CBD has (and the enthusiasm of the users who back it), there’s simply no evidence to offer a definitive conclusion as to whether or not these statements are true. The exceptions to this statement are CBD prescription medications for epilepsy, like Epidiolex, which have been proven to treat seizures in patients one year or older with Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.
So, does CBD help anxiety? The truth is that we just don’t know. What is important to know, however, is that CBD is not a suitable replacement for antidepressants like SSRIs that are specifically designed to tackle mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Always consult your doctor before using CBD to better understand what we do know about it, what we don’t know about it, and any potential side effects that may result from its use. If you are curious about CBD and you wish to take it, make sure to read extensively through reviews about popular CBD brands to find the best CBD oil that contains pure CBD and avoids harmful pesticides and herbicides that could be absorbed into the body.
Is CBD really capable of treating anxiety or other mental health conditions?
The truth about CBD is that we simply don’t know enough about it to make any definitive conclusions about whether or not CBD treatment of anxiety is the best way to go, especially given that different people will experience different results. For now, it’s best to consult a medical professional about this compound and stick to their treatment plan for your anxiety. When it comes to mental illness, it’s never a good idea to risk your wellness for an experimental home remedy that may or may not work!