Anxiety and cannabis

Aside from the everyday 'anxiety» that most of us experience, anxiety is actually a very complex disorder. At times, it can be paralyzing and debilitating. According to recent data published by the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders affect 19.1% of adults in France in a given year. In addition, approximately 31% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

More than 30% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

That being said, anxiety has always been a very misunderstood medical issue. When you meet most people and tell them you're having a bad anxiety day, they'll likely look at you, nod, and say something like, «tough day at work?» In reality, the true medical implications of anxiety run much deeper than that.

Aren't there already many treatment options available?

There is certainly no shortage of treatment options for anxiety. Unfortunately, few of these treatments appear to be 100% effective in the long term. And of course, many of them have debilitating (and often dangerous) side effects. For these reasons, millions of people have opened their eyes and ears to the use of cannabis as a possible alternative. However, before we get to our picks for the best CBD oil for anxiety, let's talk a bit more about this complex disorder.

Anxiety: What is it?

As we mentioned, anxiety is far too often confused with those »anxious» emotions we feel during moments of great stress. For example, taking an exam or driving too far with a red light on in our car. However, anxiety disorders – a broad term encompassing various conditions – are another matter entirely.

True anxiety disorders are serious and can prevent you from leading a normal life. Some have said that anxiety is not a disease, but rather a psychological/emotional state that arises when we act with apprehension. It becomes a «disorder» when worry begins to interfere with our lives. If left untreated, chronic anxiety can lead to numerous medical conditions, as well as severe psychological problems.

The term «anxiety disorder» can describe...

• Social anxiety: a situation in which you dread and fear different social situations
• Panic disorder: Random panic attacks that occur suddenly. These include symptoms associated with chest pain, sweating, and even heart attacks
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): When you feel constantly worried in everyday life situations

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder

People who experience anxiety on a daily basis, or even chronic anxiety disorders, may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Panic attacks
• Sleep problems
• Chills or sweats
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Tight muscles

Although anxiety disorders can develop at any age, most are treatable. Conventional treatments generally include medication or specific therapeutic techniques, such as:

• medication management/monitoring
• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• exposure therapy

Consider making lifestyle changes before you start taking prescription anxiety medication.

When it comes to medications, there are many antidepressants that can have a positive effect on anxiety disorders. These include medications such as Prozac, Lexapro, Xanax, and Klonopin. Of course, these medications are by no means considered a «miracle cure for anxiety.» Often, you should consider making lifestyle changes before starting medication. This can help maintain a healthy, stress-free lifestyle and may prevent anxiety flare-ups. Lifestyle changes include:

• Eat a healthy diet. This includes cutting back on sugar and reducing your intake of caffeinated foods and beverages.
• Exercise regularly. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, and cycling help release chemicals that reduce stress and anxiety. Other beneficial activities include yoga, swimming, and meditation.
• Get a good night's sleep. Lack of sleep is directly linked to stress and anxiety. It is therefore essential to develop healthy nighttime sleep habits.

Anxiety and Depression: Is CBD Oil an Option?

Over the years, cannabis oil has been used as an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. In fact, the effects of CBD on anxiety are one of the most intriguing areas of modern cannabis research. However, more clinical data needs to be collected in order to develop effective protocols in which oils for anxiety (and depression) can be used as a practical form of therapy.

A simple online search reveals that CBD oil and anxiety are among the most frequently searched topics (at least in terms of cannabis-related therapy and medical treatment). In fact, specific searches for «anxiety related to CBD oil» have increased significantly over the past decade. This suggests that more and more people are seeking a natural cannabis-based treatment instead of prescription medications. We hope these trends continue and that they signal widespread future use. But of course, countless thousands of people are already reaping the benefits of this hemp-derived compound.

Unfortunately, this carries little weight in the professional medical community. What doctors and healthcare providers need to see is concrete clinical data, and there is little of it. However, several promising studies have been conducted in the laboratory.

Current Research on Cannabis, CBD, and Anxiety

In terms of recent scientific research, a group of researchers conducted one of the few studies in 2011 to examine CBD and anxiety in humans. Ten people suffering from social anxiety (none of whom had received prior treatment for their condition) were divided into two groups. One group received 400 mg of cannabidiol (CBD), and the other a placebo. The results showed that cannabidiol effectively reduced «anxiety induced by a simulated public speaking task.».

In a separate publication, Brazilian researchers conducted a large-scale study of contemporary academic data on the use of CBD as an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing agent). After reviewing dozens of international studies published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, it was determined that a «clear anxiolytic effect of CBD [existed] » and that CBD «reduced anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder.».

Cannabis and anxiety: CBD is not the same as cannabis

Although both are derived from the cannabis plant, CBD oil and high-THC cannabis have little in common. To extract CBD, solvents are used to «extract» the active compounds from the plant. These solvents create highly concentrated crude oils rich in phytochemicals, which come in three basic forms:

Pure CBD oil – Cannabidiol (CBD) has been isolated and exists as a standalone compound.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil – This type of CBD oil contains all of the plant's active compounds except for THC

Full spectrum CBD oil – Also known as «full-spectrum hemp extract,» these oils are produced by extracting phytochemicals and phytocannabinoids from hemp that contains less than 0.2% THC by weight. Due to their low THC content, these types of oils are legal in France.

Best CBD oil dosage for anxiety

Few doctors will be able to readily answer the question, «What is the best dose of CBD oil for anxiety?» There is simply too little clinical evidence available. That said, it is essential to consult a doctor when determining the proper dosage of CBD oil for anxiety.

CBD oil is NOT a form of medical treatment, so there is little reliable data on dosage.

That said, finding a effective dose of CBD The effectiveness of CBD oil for anxiety will depend on a variety of factors, including things like weight, age, medical condition, genetics, and what you are trying to achieve. With that in mind, there are a few important things to consider when you start using CBD oil.

What to do when you start...

#1) Start with small doses. CBD oil, whether in its pure form or as a full-spectrum hemp extract, affects everyone differently.

#2) Be consistent with your dosage. Don’t start with a small dose and then switch to a higher one. It’s important for your body to get used to CBD, so gradually increase the amount you take over time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t notice any effects right away. Many people have reported that it takes several weeks of daily use before they see positive results.

It goes without saying that finding a CBD dose that will help you and your specific situation is important. By gradually increasing your intake, you should be able to find the perfect combination that provides you with a sense of relaxation while also alleviating the onset of anxiety.

Points to Consider Before Buying CBD Oil for Anxiety

Because there are many different types and brands, it's important to understand your personal needs and how you plan to use CBD. If possible, it's advisable to speak with a doctor before consuming CBD oil for any medical condition—including anxiety. In any case, here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before opting for a particular product:

• Do I have an actual anxiety disorder or is it just everyday stress?
• Do I want to combine THC with CBD (and is it legal/available in my region)?
• Will I use CBD oil at home, on the go, or both?
• What is my main concern: price or power?