CBD For Anxiety – What are the Potential & Mind-Blowing Benefits for Brain Health?
As you may already know, CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the many naturally occurring chemicals found in the Marijuana or Hemp plant. In recent years, CBD has gained widespread popularity and attention mainly due to its alleged health benefits such as relieving anxiety and treating depression. Various studies on the health benefits of medical marijuana or CBD have revealed promising results specifically in regards to brain health. It’s for this reason that many people today are seriously considering CBD for anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions.
How CBD Works
The human body has special chemical receptors that are used to receive signals from different stimuli. These receptors are commonly found in the brain and nervous system. CBD works by interacting with two specific receptors in the body namely; CB1 and CB2. The exact way in which CBD interacts with these receptors is still not fully understood. However, most studies have established that it has something to do with the neurotransmitter called serotonin.
Serotonin plays a very crucial role in your brain health. Low levels of serotonin in your brain can cause you to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. People who experience low serotonin levels for extended periods of time may also suffer from chronic depression. The widely accepted mode of treatment for low serotonin levels in the brain is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). These drugs can only be taken under a doctor’s prescription.
People who may not want to use synthetic drugs to treat their anxiety may opt for CBD for anxiety instead. However, you should exercise caution and seek your doctor’s advice before starting any new treatment.
Research and Evidence
Numerous studies have shed light on the potential and mind-blowing health benefits of medical marijuana for brain health.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
CBD is already being used by a large section of the population for treating and managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). CBD has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in animals like mice. Subjects were observed to show fewer signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety-like increased heart rate and restlessness. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of CBD in treating GAD.
- Other Anxiety Disorders
CBD is also useful to people who suffer from other anxiety disorders like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Other studies have also revealed that medical marijuana is also effective in treating chronic insomnia that is associated with most anxiety disorders.
A recent study has revealed that CBD is particularly beneficial to people who suffer from SAD. Two groups of participants of this study were given measured doses of CBD and placebo every day for 30 days. Those who got the CBD doses reported reduced anxiety levels. Other studies have also shed light on the effectiveness of CBD in treating PTSD. Some of the symptoms associated with PTSD including ruminating, negative thoughts and frequent nightmares. Various comparisons have been done between conventional PTSD treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and medical marijuana. Although conventional treatments are generally considered effective in treating PTSD, they in most cases involve the use of prescription drugs which have a wide range of negative side effects.
- Mental Health and Other Neurological Disorders
The research on CBD has not been limited to anxiety disorders. It spans all across mental health conditions and neurological disorders like depression, addiction, and many others. In the case of depression, experts in the health sector disagree on whether it’s an effective treatment that can be implemented in the global population. Despite this, the fact that CBD has been proven to be effective in managing anxiety means that it does help to treat depression in one way or the other. Anxiety and depression commonly go hand in hand with most patients who suffer from one of these conditions also suffering from the other. Treating anxiety, therefore, helps to treat depression. A study done in 2016 found out that CBD is useful in treating people who suffer from psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia. However, this is yet to be scientifically proven.
It’s no secret that more research needs to be done on the specific effects CBD has on brain function. The numerous studies that have been done are insufficient and too compartmentalized to give credible and replicable results. More human tests are needed to better understand how CBD works and its potential health benefits or hazards.
Dosage
If you are looking at using CBD for anxiety, you will need to find out which is the best dosage for you. Experts warn against using CBD products before consulting your doctor. Some of the CBD products available out there today are not regulated. Some products may not present you with the health and therapeutic effects you are looking for.
Most of the studies listed above note that an oral dose of 300 mg of CBD oil is sufficient to relieve anxiety and any form of a panic attack.
Conclusion
Medical marijuana (CBD) is a new frontier that promises many health benefits to those who are ready and willing to embrace it.
