Using CBD Oil for Anxiety and Stress: Does it Really Work?

Research on CBD (cannabidiol) derived from cannabis plants are still in progress, but there are a lot of evidence already pointing towards its medicinal benefits. One of its primary benefits is that it can provide relieve for symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Does it really work? Let’s have a closer look at whether CBD oil can help people with these two mental conditions.

What is Depression and Anxiety?

In almost most cases, patients who suffer from depression will have anxiety and vice versa. Depression is caused by a variety of factors either from traumatizing events or an imbalance in the brain. Intense feelings of sadness accompanied by insomnia, chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty with focus.

Anxiety causes an intense fear and worry within the individual and it is accompanied by muscle tension, panic, restlessness, and a racing heart.

People with depression and anxiety experience intense mood swings and emotions. Often feeling hopeless, miserable, and frustrated. Learn more about types of mental health conditions here: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-mental-health/types-problems

Now that you understand depression and anxiety, where does CBD oil come in? Well, the reason why many people are starting to use CBD as an alternative to prescribed medication is because it can help treat symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What is Cannabidiols?

Within all cannabis sativa plants there are loads of different compounds. One of these compounds is cannabidiols (CBD). Extracted through different processes from the flower, CBD is used as an oil to treat different symptoms within the body.

Compared to its naughty cousin, THC, that gives users a ‘high’, CBD has no psychoactive properties. Users can enjoy all the benefits without experiencing any psychoactive elements.

Within these cannabidiols there are specialized receptors known as cannabinoids. Cannabinoids connect with transmitters within the brain that has an effect on our body’s emotions, moods, appetite, pain, and overall internal balance.

Cannabidiols and Anxiety
Cannabidiols and Anxiety

Recent studies have proved that CBD can take anxiolytic action. Anxiolytics are medications that help treat stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. When taken in low to moderate dosages, cannabidiols will have a positive effect within the body.

Refer to this scholar article on the anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol for an expert opinion on the matter.

How Does it Work?

Inside our complex bodies we have an endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system was identified in the 1990s and is known as a cell-signaling system. It regulates a bunch of processes including memory, mood, sleep, appetite, and reproduction.

Our ECS produces cannabinoids that is sent into our bodies. These naturally produced cannabinoids are known as AEA (anandamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglyerol. When they are released, they connect to endocannabinoid receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 receptors connect with the central nervous system while CB2 receptors connect with the peripheral nervous system and immune cells. It connects once it is broken down by enzymes and released into the bloodstream.

What happens in our bodies when we suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression is that we under produce cannabinoids. This means that our ECS can’t cope with mood swings, sleeplessness, and change in appetite, because there is nothing in our systems to keep it all in balance.

To help our endocannabinoid system produce more cannabinoids we can take CBD products. Check out cannabidiol products on credible and trustworthy online dispensaries like Cheef Botanicals, to choose a product that is of high quality.

Although studies are still in progress, scientists have suggested that CBD doesn’t connect to receptors in the same way THC does. When THC connects to CB1 and CB2 receptors it creates a psychoactive effect. It is believed that cannabidiol interacts with the ECS and then prevent receptors from being broken down by enzymes.

As a result, more cannabinoids are released into the system which helps create a balance in mood. Not only does it help regulate a person’s moods it also helps calm nerves by having a relaxing effect on the user.

A dosage of as little as 20 milligrams before bed can help calm nerves, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Whether CBD oil really works for stress and anxiety is completely up to the user. Up until now, it has shown great results and potential.