Cannabidiol, often known as CBD oil, is an oil derived from the cannabis plant. It is becoming well-known that this oil has many health benefits, including reducing the symptoms associated with anxiety. Health professionals and researchers are still trying to understand CBD oil, but there has been some research using CBD oil to treat anxiety. Here is everything you need to know about treating your anxiety with CBD oil.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is derived from cannabis plants and usually sold as an oil. This oil can then be ingested in many ways, depending on the user. It can be mixed with other liquids to be vaped or it can be used in cooking. CBD oil contains chemicals which bind to receptors in the human brain. CBD is just one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC being the most commonly used. THC is the cannabinoid that is known to many as weed and it is the compound that can give people the feeling of being “high”. CBD oil can also bind to the same receptors, but it has different effects. Unlike marijuana, CBD oil should not be smoked like a cigarette.
Research on Using CBD Oil for Anxiety
There have been many studies that show using cannabis products can help to treat anxiety, whilst others contradict this and say that using cannabis can create anxiety and paranoid feelings. This is when cannabis is used whilst it contains THC, rather than looking at the use of CBD. If you want to know more about using CBD oil then your research should be around cannabidiol rather than general cannabis use, as THC has different effects on the brain. There isn’t a huge amount of research yet on CBD oil, but this is ongoing as it is becoming increasingly popular. Many of the research projects have been carried out on animals, but they have been extremely promising. This case study carried out in 2016 shows how cannabidiol helped to reduce anxiety in children who had been affected by PTSD.
How Does CBD Oil Work for Anxiety?
CBD oil works to stop anxiety symptoms by changing how the body produces serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical produced by the nerves and it acts as a neurotransmitter, sending signals to the brain. Low serotonin is often thought to be an indicator that someone is suffering from anxiety or depression, as well as other mental illnesses. Serotonin can help to regulate many of the body’s functions, including sleep and feelings of anxiety. CBD oil works by changing the pathway of the serotonin, making your body produce more and, therefore, regulating your mood.
Are There Any Risks?
Whilst marijuana comes with risks, the research done into cannabidiol shows very little or no side effects at all. This could mean that using CBD oil for your anxiety could be ideal for you. If you do not want to use medication or you struggle with the side effects of your current anxiety medication, taking CBD oil for anxiety can be a natural alternative. CBD oil is not legal in every state and you will need to see if it is legal in your state before using it. You should always speak to your doctor before starting any new medication, CBD oil included.
CBD oil is more commonly being used, with anxiety being the biggest reason for this. It can also help with chronic pain and for those suffering from cancer. As researchers continue to study this natural oil, we will learn more and more about the CBD oil benefits it can possess for humans.
