This year marks the 23rd anniversary of California becoming the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Before 1996, weed was still classified as a hippie, stoner drug.
Hollywood highlighted this characterization in films like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Dazed and Confused, and others.
My, how times have changed!
Recreational marijuana is now legal in 10 states plus Washington, DC. Thirty-three other states allow the use of medical marijuana. Efforts to reform the criminal justice system are also underway in legislation like the Marijuana Justice Act.
The mainstream acceptance of pot is highly publicized and covered by media outlets across the country. Still, the public isn’t as aware of the benefits of another cannabis product — CBD — as they should be.
Below, we’re walking you through one of the biggest benefits of this natural extract — the use of CBD for anxiety.
What Is CBD?
CBD is the common term for cannabidiol. The federal government conducted several studies on CBD. They’ve found it does have medicinal benefits. This led to the FDA approving a purified form of CBD.
While there is still a long way to go, this is good news for proponents of the cannabis extract. It’s also good for people who use CBD for stress and anxiety relief.
Contrary to what many old-school thinkers believe, you don’t get high from CBD. In fact, CBD can counteract the psychoactivity of THC.
It’s becoming an appealing option for people who need relief from pain, inflammation, seizures, and anxiety.
How CBD Helps with Anxiety
Anxiety affects more than 31% of American adults at some point in their lives. There are many medications that help treat anxiety. But, some are addictive while others don’t like the side effects of the drugs.
When a patient uses CBD for anxiety, they don’t worry about these negative reactions. This alleviates some of their concerns. In turn, it allows them to overcome fear and doubt about drug side effects.
CBD works with a patient’s own natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). The body’s ECS is present in almost every cell. It helps manage appetite, memory, mood, pain perception, and sleep.
One of its primary purposes is stress recuperation.
CBD communicates with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric corrosive), a neurotransmitter. GABA transfers messages back and forth between brain cells. It tells the body when it’s had enough and it’s time to shut down.
Because so many neurons “listen” to GABA, it helps our bodies relax. This lessens anxiety and “quiets” our sensories. It also helps muscles relax and assists in making us feel sleepy.
Taking CBD for Anxiety
So, how does a patient take CBD for anxiety? There are four main forms of CBD to relieve anxiety:
- Smoking
- Vaping
- Edibles
- CBD Oil
There are certain strands of CBD best used for treating anxiety and stress. The most well-known is Harlequin, but Cannatonic and ACDC are also popular strains. These, along with many others, relax a patient when smoked or vaped.
Vaping is the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD for anxiety and stress relief. But, it’s not the only way, of course.
Edibles, like Gummies, offer a discreet way to consume CBD. They also take the guesswork out of dosing.
Finally, CBD oils may be the most popular way to treat anxiety. CBD lotions and sprays are also effective.
With the oil, patients drop liquid under their tongue. This also provides quick relief.
As far as dosing, CBD oil varies. Some people may take 25mg twice a day while others take as much as 100mg.
Usually, people take higher doses when they’re also using CBD for pain relief. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They’ll help you find the right dosage for you.
Need More Info?
You have the information you need to decide if CBD may be right for you. If you do decide you’d like to give it a try, speak to your healthcare provider about using CBD for anxiety.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of CBD and marijuana, keep reading our blog!